The GēDUNK June 2024

WOLVERINE WINNERS

Success has an impact beyond sports

• GCC v. Bell at 40

• 150 for 150

Softball player Erin Mulholland ’24 swings for the fences during a matchup at the College’s field this spring.

REMEMBERING A SPECIAL WOLVERINE SPORTS FAN

David Rathburn’s last day on campus was a memorable one. It was Homecoming weekend, and the former Board chair joined me in the president’s box to watch our Wolverine football team defeat Washington & Jefferson, a milestone victory in what became an historic championship season. Later that evening, he joined his Nu Lamb brothers for their 100th anniversary celebration. Grove City College, sports, and friendship – three things David especially cherished.

David and I shared a passion for Pittsburgh and GCC sports teams. Growing up in the 1970s, we were spoiled by four Super Bowl championships and two World Series titles. Our heroes were such greats as Mean Joe, Franco, Roberto, and Willie. David brought his passion for the Black and Gold to Grove City College in 1975. Blessed with a radio voice, he served as sports director and broadcaster on the WSAJ campus radio station. In later years, once texting became an option for communication, we regularly exchanged messages about the ups and downs (more downs than ups) of the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins.

It was no surprise then that David was an enthusiastic supporter of our efforts to take GCC athletics to a higher level of excellence. Together with our current Board Chair Ed Breen, David saw the strategic value in building an authentically Christian sports program where moral character and skill combine for conference championships. He knew that with wise investments in coaching, conditioning, and facilities, as well as adding men’s and women’s lacrosse and men’s volleyball, we would not just strengthen enrollment but also draw positive national attention because of our distinctiveness. He also knew that the ability of intramural and club athletes to enjoy competition during their college years is an important responsibility. Indeed, when it comes to competitive sports, we have an inspiring story to tell.

Spend time with any of our 22 varsity teams and you will be deeply encouraged by the cultures of these programs. They are committed to discipleship, character formation, leadership development, love, and service. The athletes train hard and compete with remarkable athleticism, joy, and fearlessness. And the results – ten championships this year – testify to the success of a faith-first philosophy. Our goal is to be among the top NCAA Division III sports programs in the country where students compete for conference and national championships and are equipped to live lives of godly faithfulness and selfless service of others.

This is a bold vision and an exciting opportunity, but here’s the problem: Our facilities are woefully inadequate given the size and strength of our program. The 40-year-old Phillips Field House is half the size it needs to be. The College may have the best DIII baseball team with the worst field in the country. The number of varsity athletes has increased significantly in recent years, but aside from turfing and lighting the soccer field, we haven’t undertaken major capital improvements for athletics for decades. These critical needs stand in the way of reaching our full potential.

More broadly, now is the time to focus on institutional strength. The College is sure to encounter the increasing headwinds of declining demographics and shifting cultural values. Many of the smallest colleges are closing their doors for good because of overwhelming financial challenges. Again, David understood, as well as Chairman Breen, that a highly successful athletics program will contribute to Grove City College’s ability to sustain our mission for generations to come.

As we continue this work, the entire Board has also long appreciated that, in the words of wise King Solomon from Psalm 127, unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. This commitment was the hallmark of David’s exemplary leadership.

Paul J. McNulty ’80 President

For more about David Rathburn’s legacy and impact on the College, see

EDITORIAL BOARD

Jeffrey Prokovich ’89

Vice President for Advancement

Melissa (Trifaro ’96) MacLeod

Senior Director of Alumni and College Relations

EDITOR

Nick Hildebrand

Director of College Communications

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Joanie Baumgartner

Director of Advancement Communications

DESIGN

Justin Harbaugh

Art Director/Graphic Designer

Amy Evans

Associate Director of Advancement Communications

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Janice (Zinsner ’87) Inman

Advancement Communications Coordinator

Brad Isles

Website Manager/Content Coordinator

OFFICE OF ALUMNI & COLLEGE RELATIONS

Tricia Corey

Tammy Beggs

Mandy Sposato ’00

Michelle (Jeffries ’19) Vogt

COLLEGE ARCHIVES AND GALLERIES

Hilary (Lewis ’09) Walczak

OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT

Brian Powell ’03

Doug Angle ’20

Jason Burtt ’00

Elizabeth (Smith ’81) Hanley

Randall LaBrie ’20

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

James Dudt ’07

President

Steve DeCaspers ’97

Vice President

Interior photography by Jason Jones, Justin Harbaugh, Nick Hildebrand, Brad Isles, Kiley (Hajek ’19) Miranda, Gracie Turnbaugh ’23, Grace David ’24, Mia Campagna ’25, Will Hearn ’26, Tiffany Wolfe, Maggie (Williams ’22) Miller, Blaise Kilmartin ’25

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WOLVERINE WINNERS! An outstanding and historic year for Wolverine sports – 10 Presidents’ Athletic Conference championships, first trip to the NCAA football playoffs, an All-Sports trophy sweep, and more – make it clear that Grove City College athletics have risen to a new level of success and impact. The achievements validate the Wolverines Together philosophy that elevates the game and benefits students, alumni, the College, and the common good.

The GēDUNK, an award-winning magazine published for alumni and friends of Grove City College, highlights College news and alumni achievements. Named after the on-campus gathering place / snack bar for students since the early 1950s, the word “Gedunk” made its way into the Grove City College vernacular when Navy veterans returned to campus and brought the term with them. For decades, the Grove City College Gedunk has been the place to come together to share news and ideas, live and learn, and this magazine strives to connect our family in similar style. College and University Public Relations and Associated Professionals (CUPRAP) has recognized the GēDUNK with awards for excellence in

and writing for five consecutive years.

Honoring a Legacy

Football has always been something that brought together the brothers of Epsilon Pi. Out of the 783 living members, 353 (45%!) played football at Grove City College, many of them under the leadership of former Head Coach and EP brother Chris Smith ’72 . Hundreds of young men were mentored by Smith during his 32-season tenure (1984-2015), notably including current Head Coach and EP brother Andrew DiDonato ’10. These amazing coaches have carried on the legacy solidified by 20th century greats like Joe Kopnisky and Jack Behringer.

BROTHERS WORKING FOR THE GOOD OF ALL.

The EP brothers are coming together to see the new Lower Campus Fieldhouse take shape. John Ellis ’77 is one of the drivers of this effort, with help from several other brothers who span the decades, including Jack Kopnisky ’78, Paul Marshall ’78, George Rogers ’89, Kent Lamotta ’91, Paul Lange ’75 and Dane Mossgrove ’16. Together they have rallied the Epsilon Pi fraternity to name the Lobby and Hall of Fame area of the new Fieldhouse in honor of the Epsilon Pi alumni. Jeff Curran ’85, a former football player and Sigma Alpha Sigma member, is also leading the charge to name the new Football Locker Room in honor of Coach Smith. To date, a total of $375,000 has been raised toward the combined goal of $1,250,000 to name both of these spaces.

Several other individual EP brothers have also embraced the project by donating to name various spaces in the new facility. These EP brothers know that now is the time to invest, since the current Phillips Fieldhouse was designed only to serve a team of 63 players. In Fall 2024, the Wolverines’ roster will grow to 150 during DiDonato’s ninth season at the helm.

SUPPORT THE INITIATIVE

Anyone can inspire and support student athletes with a gift to the Lower Campus Fieldhouse project, which will impact football, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s tennis, and all varsity athletes through the weight room. Gifts of $5K or more (payable over up to 5 years) will be recognized on the Donor Wall, but many other opportunities exist.

For more information, please contact Brian Powell ’03, Senior Director of Development, at powellbm@gcc.edu, or give online at giving.gcc.edu/giveEP.

impact

STORY

A ROCK-SOLID FOUNDATION

Marsha (Crouch ’75) Wilson came to Grove City College on the advice of her cousin, Larry Hay ’69, who had a great experience as a student here. Wilson was drawn in by the College’s commitment to faith and high academic standards, which helped her excel as a Business Administration and Accounting major. But her own collegiate experience was also profoundly impacted by her participation as a founding member of the inaugural Women’s Tennis team, established after Title IX.

“Being on that tennis team, it gave me an experience requiring integrity, cooperation, and competition, and it built leadership. And those are all qualities that Grove City graduates carry on for a lifetime.” Wilson has put those qualities to use in business and personal endeavors.

A recent visit to campus set Marsha’s passion for Grove City College ablaze again. “I had not been to campus for a while, so I was just awestruck by

Grove City College changes lives. This impact story is shared by an individual who had a remarkable experience at this special place, and who knows that now is the perfect time to inspire others. Together, we are working to ensure that our transformational education will continue to impact students, and change lives, for the next 150 years and beyond.

MARSHA (CROUCH ’75) WILSON

Alumna and Lower Campus Fieldhouse Donor

the new buildings and the amount of renovation that has gone on. My jaw dropped! I was really excited that they kept the same quality of architecture and that they kept the old with the new. And when I went down to lower campus and saw the renderings for the new Lower Campus Fieldhouse, I just knew. I have to be a part of this. I just have to be a part of this. So, that’s where I really jumped in.”

Wilson and fellow donor Bill Testin still enjoy competitive tennis to this day, and fittingly, they have decided to honor all that GCC tennis gave to Marsha by making a generous gift to the Lower Campus Fieldhouse project. They are naming a viewing area on the second floor that overlooks the tennis courts, as well as the varsity weight room.

“I thought what a great area for not only the students, but for maybe the community, and for everyone to enjoy what was going on at the tennis courts and football field, and to sit and relax and just enjoy what athletics can do for this campus.”

I just knew. I have to be a part of this...

Tennis certainly helped shape Wilson’s life and set her up for success, but she knows the College’s values and commitment to faith and freedom were just as important in helping to shape her worldview. “With what is going on in our society today, there are not very many colleges like this. I think it’s very important to continue this atmosphere, and this excellence in education. I want to be a part of supporting that, and I’m really excited about it.”

Their transformational gift will impact students for generations to come. Learn more about how you can support the Lower Campus Fieldhouse or many other Impact 150 campaign projects at gcc.edu/ impact150

We launched Impact 150: The Anniversary Campaign for Grove City College just over one year ago, in May 2023. In that short time, alumni and friends have embraced the vision for the College’s next 150 years of impact and have answered with generosity to help us leverage our strengths as we build for tomorrow. We are pleased to share our current progress toward several infrastructure projects and our ongoing goal of increasing financial aid. Our ambitious and historic campaign goals are resonating with our alumni and friends, and the entire community of Grove City College.

Making the Connection

After four seasons of demolition and construction, the Rockwell Hall Renovation project is right on schedule. The recent mild winter worked to the College’s advantage, with construction continuing further into the winter months than anticipated. The wet spring brought a few challenges to the foundation work but did not hamper progress significantly.

The demolition process took the interior of Rockwell down to the main structure, except for the roof. This spring, the ductwork and electrical runs were installed, and insulation was completed. Drywall has been hung and the interior masonry is nearly finished. The south stairs have been removed in preparation for the new elevator.

Restoration has been as important as renovation in the approach to the project. Every name scrawled inside the tower over many decades has been preserved. The Foucault Pendulum was carefully removed and will be reinstalled as the showpiece of the new connector’s lobby. The facade of Rockwell is being professionally restored, as is the gorgeous stained glass from the tower. The clock will be getting a new electronic mechanism, though the clock’s exterior face and hands will remain original. Much care has gone into modernizing the building while maintaining its treasured history.

Some of that history was revealed over the course of demolition. Some Depression-era construction techniques were uncovered, as it was common in the 1930s to see substitutions for some materials being made due to shortages. An interesting historical discovery was made when McClintic-Marshall Corp joist tags were found. McClintic-Marshall was a subsidiary of Bethlehem Steel, the company that built the Golden Gate Bridge.

VIEW THE PROGRESS

The brand new “connector” that will create one contiguous building out of Rockwell and STEM Hall now has its foundation walls in place. The first stage of the connector’s floor has been poured, and the erection of the steel supports began at the end of May 2024. Many more project milestones are planned for the second year of the project, including completion of the connector, interior paint, flooring, carpentry, and furniture in Rockwell, and all the finishing touches on the exterior like a new clay tile roof, walkways, landscaping, and lighting. When completed, the new building will be dedicated in the fall of 2025 as the Smith Hall of Science and Technology, named for Bill ’69 and Dieva Smith, who have come alongside the College with a significant gift toward the building’s transformation. You can be a part of the exciting future of this iconic building, and the strides being made here at Grove City College in STEM education. Your support is important at this critical time. Give today at gcc.edu/ impact150.

The Largest Foundation Commitment in the College’s history.

In January 2024, the College was the grateful recipient of a $5M grant toward the Rockwell renovation project from the Allegheny Foundation, which concentrates its giving in the Southwestern Pennsylvania area and focuses on historic preservation, civic development, and education. Most funding is earmarked for organizations like Grove City College that are not dependent on government subsidies.

We are thankful to the Allegheny Foundation for its support!

upfront

News about the College, alumni, students, campus, faculty, and sports

Former Vice President Mike Pence greets student fellows from the Institute for Faith & Freedom before he spoke at the think tank’s annual conference and engaged in a Q&A session with College President Paul J. McNulty in Crawford Hall in April.

Center for Faith & Public Life encourages Christian service, enlists Mike Pence

The presence of Judeo-Christian values in the public square – once common, expected, and welcome – is facing increased scrutiny and growing opposition. The rapid rise of secularism, the influence of contentious voices, and other conditions present in post-Christian America are diminishing and endangering the historic and vital role of faith in society.

To meet this moment, Grove City College has established the Center for Faith & Public Life to expand awareness of the historic relationship between religious belief and public life; explore ways to integrate faith in public policy and service; and strengthen opportunities for Christian engagement in public life.

“The appropriate role of faith in the public square is a major issue in this moment of our American life. The Founders envisioned a free society sustained by a selfgoverning citizenry and strengthened by virtues rooted in religious belief. At the core of Christian faith is the call to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. The Center will examine how and why Christians have sought to put their faith into action for the common good,” said Grove City College President Paul J. McNulty ’80.

The term “public life” is not limited to government and politics. The Center will examine a broad range of issues encompassing business, education, media, and other sectors that impact the social fabric.

To help launch this important initiative, the College enlisted former Vice President of the United States Mike Pence to serve as the Distinguished Visiting Fellow for Faith & Public Life. The Center’s creation was announced just before Pence spoke at this spring’s Institute for Faith & Freedom Conference on Confronting Antisemitism.

Pence, McNulty said, is the “perfect choice” for the Center. “No one has pursued this calling more sincerely than the former vice president. He is an extraordinary role model for what it looks like to lead with wisdom and winsomeness in public life, and he will be a leading source of thought

THE CENTER FOR FAITH & PUBLIC LIFE

leadership and an impactful voice of the Center,” he said.

Pence said it is a “great honor” to serve as a visiting fellow. “Faith and engaging in public life are not mutually exclusive, nor should they ever be. History shows that Christians steadily working toward the common good have changed the world, and Grove City College opening a center shows they are committed to continuing this work.”

As one of America’s foremost Christian political leaders, Pence has been explicit about how his faith has guided him as a public servant. The wisdom he has accrued over decades of service in Congress, as governor of Indiana, and as the nation’s second-in-command for four years under President Donald J. Trump will benefit the new center. In addition to providing

thought leadership through speaking and writing, Pence will be a presence on campus, participating in events, interacting with students, and teaching a course with McNulty next year.

The Center is a natural extension of Grove City College’s grounding in permanent ideas and conservative values, its longstanding commitment to the foundations of a free society and advancing the common good, and its mission to prepare young people for lives of Christian service and civic responsibility.

The Center for Faith & Public Life will operate under the auspices of The Institute for Faith & Freedom, Grove City College’s vision and values think tank.

To support the Center for Faith & Public Life’s impactful mission, visit gcc.edu/ supportCFPL

Class of 2024’s ‘grit’ wins out over adversity

Grove City College conferred 504 bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the arts and sciences at the 144th Commencement. “The Lord is so good. He has blessed us greatly today,” College President Paul J. McNulty ’80 told graduates and others assembled on the Quad on a picture perfect morning.

Among those crossing the stage were the College’s first class of Bachelor of Science in Nursing students and the first cohort of MBA candidates.

Nearly half – 47 percent of the Class of 2024 graduated with cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude academic honors. For many in this year’s graduating class, this was the first commencement they experienced. The Class of 2024 left high school and endured a freshman year under the cloud of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Much of your time here at Grove City has been far from easy, but your perseverance has been wonderful. You have succeeded beautifully,” McNulty said. “You understand the one true foundation of your success and happiness: Knowing the Lord. So, guard the good deposit that has been entrusted to you.” Board Chair Edward D. Breen ’78 hailed the graduates’ determination. “Grovers have grit. We march to a different beat … We pursue excellence for the good of others.”

Alumnus J. Nicholas Ranjan ’00, federal district court judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania, delivered the Commencement address. “You all have a calling and a destiny, and it is waiting for you. But you are not there yet. You are not your true selves yet. As you take that journey to become yourself, remember that your calling is not tied to your accomplishments or your mistakes. It is tied to your faith,” he said. “With God’s help, go, now, and start the journey to become yourselves; become the persons that God specifically created you all to be.”

Megan Gagnier ’24, a secondary Spanish education major with a musical theatre minor of Pompey, N.Y., spoke to her fellow graduates about the familiar routines, deep community, and the transformational power of “a curious” place called Grove City College. “As we look towards the future, we have confidence that Grove City prepared us not just with what to do, but also how to do it. We are not just to be engineers; we are to be godly engineers. We are not just to be teachers; we are to be faithful teachers. We are not just to be nurses; we are to be servant-hearted nurses. We are not just to be film makers; we are to be humble film makers. We are not just to be lawyers; we are to be wise lawyers. We are not just called to be servants; we are to be Christ-like servants,” Gagnier said.

The College awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree to Ranjan and an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree to Baccalaureate speaker Dr. Kurt Bjorklund, senior pastor of Orchard Hill Church in Wexford, Pa., in recognition of their outstanding achievements in their respective fields.

Falcetta, top seniors honored

Chemistry Professor Dr. Michael F. Falcetta and seniors Ari Campbell ’24 and Alarie Findley ’24 were honored at the spring Honors Convocation as annual exemplars of Grove City College’s mission, vision, and values.

Falcetta, a professor of Chemistry, was selected as the 2024 Professor of the Year by the College’s chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa, a national leadership honorary. Falcetta joined the faculty in 2003 and has taught general chemistry, physical chemistry, molecular modeling, and other courses over the years. He has also served as an adviser to a number of student organizations, most recently Phi Omega Sigma, the “Possums” men’s housing group.

Whether teaching non-STEM students, engineers, or chemistry majors, he is known for his “ability to explain complicated ideas in a way that makes chemistry both understandable and engaging,” according to one student nomination. Even those who are not taken with chemistry are taken with Dr. Falcetta. As one senior explained, though some students may say “I hate chemistry,” they quickly add “but I LOVE Dr. Falcetta.”

Falcetta said he was “surprised and honored” and downplayed his role in achieving the title. “I feel this largely reflects the investments that so many people have made in my personal and professional life,” he said.

An expert in physical chemistry, Falcetta is an active researcher who publishes regularly with his Grove City College collaborator Dr. Mark Fair in leading journals, including The Journal of Physical Chemistry, and speaks at scientific meetings and conferences. At Grove City College, he regularly supervises student research, providing students with the opportunity to collaborate on his projects. Falcetta “makes sure his research students truly understand the science behind what they are completing and not just how to carry out processes,” a student research assistant said. Campbell and Findley were named, respectively, the College’s Man and Woman of the Year.

Campbell, a Biology/Health major with a minor in Biblical and Religious Studies from Memphis, Tenn., is a Trustee Scholar and volunteered for two months in Cambodia with the Global Outreach Program, led

ICO Chattanooga for three years, served as President of New Life, worked as a freshman RA, led 24-Hour Worship, and was a member of Crimson & White.

Campbell conducts research with Dr. Brian Yowler and is a Student Ambassador for the Pre-Health Society, as well as an active member of TriBeta Biology Honor Society and the recipient of the Frederick S. Kring Leadership Award.

Findley, a Mechanical Engineering major from East Earl, Pa., is a Trustee Fellow and gifted violinist who played in the String Quartet and was concertmaster for both the Symphonic Orchestra and the Chamber Orchestra. She has served as a leader in Orientation Board, Senior Women’s Bible Study, MECE Student Leadership Club, and her Senior Capstone Research Group.

Findley has worked as a Physics teaching assistant and exam proctor for Disability Services, participated in the Deeply Rooted mentorship program, and served on ICO Ashland. She also played IM Spikeball and assisted the Human Powered Vehicles Club.

The senior awards are presented jointly by the College leadership honorary Mortar Board and ODK. Man and Woman of the Year selections are made based on scholarship, leadership, and service. The candidates were voted on by students and faculty. The senior awards are the highest honors that the College can bestow on students. Their names are recorded for posterity on a memorial plaque on a boulder outside Harbison Chapel on campus.

Good and faithful servants

Dr. Stephen Jenkins, professor of Biology, and David J. Ayers, professor of Sociology, retired from their posts this spring after serving generations of students. Between them they have 60 years of service to the College.

Jenkins joined the Biology Department in 1992. In addition to his classroom teaching, he was curator of the College’s Entomology collection and said the department “survived” his service as chair at one point. Reflecting on retirement, he said, “I am most grateful that I have been able to work with Christian colleagues and students, so many of them I count among my friends. I think one of the best things about GCC is that it is in so many ways a Christ-centered community.”

“I am a trained entomologist, so it is a no-brainer that my favorite class was entomology,” he said. “It was always interesting to me and gave me great pleasure when students would get excited about insects, too.” To his former students, Jenkins offered a little advice: “Develop and cultivate healthy intellectual interests, even odd ones like entomology – they may land you a career. Keep your eyes open – you may find new things every day. That’s highly likely because no one can fully comprehend the natural world in its entirety. And remain curious – be humbly ready to learn.”

Ayers came to Grove City College in 1996 as a professor of Sociology and retired as one, but not without serving a variety of administrative roles over the years. After serving stints as dean of the Calderwood School of Arts and Letters, interim provost, department

chair, and other posts – returned to his “first love” in 2020. “It was fantastic to be able to return to the GCC classroom full time for a few years,” he said. “In 28 years of being at Grove City College, on any day of the week, the best part of that day was the time I spent in the classroom or otherwise with students.”

An author and prolific researcher and writer, Ayers does not plan to slow down in retirement. He said he will continue to work on marriage and family issues and other professional pursuits. Family time, travel, hunting, and “rocking out on my collection of guitars, amps and effects pedals,” are also on Ayers’ agenda. Looking back at his years with the College, “It has been quite a ride,” he said.

Also retiring this spring is Dr. Richard Savage, dean of the Hopeman School of Science, Mathematics, and Engineering. Savage joined the College as dean in 2019. During his tenure as chief of the STEM disciplines, new majors and interdisciplinary programs were launched to provide students pathways into new and developing careers.

Ayers

Savage

Jenkins

The Grove City College Theatre Program presented a dramatic “double feature” this spring with concurrent productions in the Pew Fine Arts Center. Above, students perform the stage classic Our Town in the Little Theater while Doubt: A Parable was staged in Ketler Auditorium.

The Grove City College saga: Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge

Anew book about Grove City College examines how its mission, history, and educational philosophy fosters a distinctive approach to higher education that is vital to cultivate individual wisdom and advance the common good.

Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge: Grove City College and the Quest for Christ-Centered Learning is a collection of faculty essays that cover the College’s evangelical and ecumenical vision, the integration of faith and learning, and examples of how it all plays out across disciplines and the world beyond campus.

“Collectively, they seek to demonstrate how our college was founded to stand and can continue to stand for Christ as an academically excellent institution of higher education,” Dr. Mark Graham, professor of History, wrote in his introduction. Graham and Rev. Donald D. Opitz, chaplain and senior director of Christian Formation, edited the book. “Our hope is that this volume gives Grove City College stakeholders a clear sense of rich and decisive historical moments in the history of our college while inspiring careful reflection on ways to boldly and wisely carry forward our Christ-centered higher educational mission of excellence … We are confident that such a saga … is alive and well in the mission and life of our college today.”

It is the result of a two-year effort to chronicle, construct, and contextualize the Grove City College saga that coincided with the first review of the College’s core curriculum in 15 years and revised vision and mission statements that explicitly state a Christian commitment to develop students ready to advance the common good. “It was an unprecedented opportunity to consider anew the crucial connections between belief and practice, knowing and doing, conviction and curriculum,” according to Dr. Peter Frank ’95, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. “Equipping students to pursue God’s calling for their lives in a changing world requires that we further articulate our institutional history to reflect our rooted yet relevant stance,” Frank said.

The work was supported by a Reframing the Institutional Saga grant from the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education, a program of the Council of Independent Colleges supported by the generosity of Lilly Endowment Inc.

The book contains essays by Dr. Paul C. Kemeny, dean of the Calderwood School of Arts & Letters and professor of Biblical and Religious Studies and Humanities; Dr. Gary Scott Smith ’72, professor emeritus of History; Dr. Shawn Ritenour, professor Economics; Dr. Michelle McFeaters ’88, ’02, dean of the School of Business and professor of Accounting; Dr. Glenn Marsch, professor of Physics; Dr. Ryan West, associate professor of Philosophy; Dr. Kristen Waha, associate professor English; Dr. Kelsey B. Madsen, associate professor of French; Dr. Carl R. Trueman, professor of Biblical and Religious Studies; and others.

“Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge: Grove City College and the Quest for Christ-Centered Learning” is available at the Grove City College bookstore and online at bookstore.gcc.edu

New graduate programs offered

Grove City College Graduate and Online Programs will be offering three new degree programs for students seeking master’s degrees in Kinesiology, Education, and Economics. The programs are open to the career-focused adult learner and offered as a “plus one” to prospective and current students to augment their undergraduate degrees from Grove City College.

The new Master of Science Degree in Kinesiology program brings together the study of anatomy, kinesiology, physiology, nutrition, and exercise to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences to confidently move forward in their careers.

“Students will explore the core courses at a master’s level and directly apply practical skills in the lab. The program will cover a variety of different topics, and that broad knowledge base means that graduates can apply their skills to a wide range of jobs,” Dr. Philip J. Prins, chair and associate professor of Exercise Science, said.

Coursework for the Kinesiology degree will begin in spring 2025. Also, next year, the College will begin offering Master of Arts in Economics or Master of Science in Education degrees.

The Economics programs will advance students in pursuing Ph.D. studies in economics and related disciplines or prepare them for careers in the fields of market analysis, organizational and institutional design, and public policy. It is an extension of the College’s renowned undergraduate program. Graduates will be technically proficient in employing the tools of economic reasoning and gain a deeper understanding of economic analysis.

The Master of Science in Education program will offer a concentration in reading and prepare students for certification as reading specialists. The program is open to certified teachers who can generate synergy between the coursework and their work environment. Advanced degrees are highly valuable for educators who see their salary and advancement possibilities increase with their credentials.

The new offerings are part of a growing suite of graduate programs available at Grove City College, including Accounting, Business Analytics, Business Administration, and an innovative Theology and Ministry program that allows Grove City College undergraduates to earn a master’s degree in addition to a bachelor’s degree in Biblical and Religious Studies in four years.

To apply, or learn more about Graduate and Online Programs, visit gcc.edu/advanced

MESSAGE FROM ALUMNI AND COLLEGE RELATIONS

Dear Alumni and Friends,

These are such fun times on the campus of our alma mater! Never would I have thought I would be so excited about how our athletic teams are doing. I just love seeing the school spirit at “Grove.” What makes it extra special to me is how we approach sports here. The character, the dedication, the hard work, and the focus on what really matters –these all make it even more impactful to me.

We are celebrating this spirit in our new podcast series, Grit and Glory, hosted by Alumni Council member Joe Klimchak ’91. For those from Pittsburgh, you might be used to seeing him on the PNC Park jumbotron, as the In-Game Host for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Joe himself represents integrity, character, grit and glory, and the kind of leadership that is developed in participants in quality athletics programs like ours. I encourage you to tune in to this new series as we feature coaches, alumni, students, and others who reflect character, faith, and excellence in the world of sports.

While you are listening online, I also encourage you to watch our teams via livestream. Check out athletics.gcc.edu for links to games and matches throughout the seasons. Of course, we always welcome you to campus or at an away game near you.

Now onto something a bit different. Those that know me know how much I love hearing about alumni gatherings, formal or informal, long-time friends or new. My own group of gals celebrated our milestone birthday this year with a big trip together, nine of us! What a blessing it is to have people to walk with through the good and hard parts of life. At the time of printing of this magazine, a group of women from 1994-95 will be gathering for their 10th annual trip, minus a very good friend who lost her life to illness. A scholarship was set up in her name to honor her life, faith, and friendship. The Emma (Munoz ’95) Lawrence Scholarship Endowment will be awarded for the first time this year and continues to accept donations. The group welcomes your support!

I mention this in my letter to honor Emma’s memory, and the friendships formed at Grove City. To encourage you to think about this way of honoring a friend or relative while helping a student here at our beloved alma mater. And I mention this to encourage you to make today count, to reconnect today, as the days fly by and time is precious.

Finally, don’t forget to stop on campus during your summer travels. You are welcome back anytime!

Now grab that cup of coffee and enjoy reading this issue of the GēDUNK.

Melissa (Trifaro ’96) MacLeod Senior Director of Alumni and College Relations

Featured in this picture with Emma (center) are her friends who helped her parents and husband start the scholarship: Alexa (Shiels ’95) Farrelly, Amy (Holeczy ’94) Blank, Janelle (Clouser ’95) Siebenschuh, Paulina Wilson ’95, and Traci (Patterson ’95) Rodriguez.

P.S. It was a joy to be with our 2023-24 Alumni Council at our May meeting this year. It’s a great group that makes a positive impact for the College.

GCC Mentor Connect links students to the alumni network

During the 2023-2024 school year, 48 juniors were matched individually with alumni mentors based on their career fields of interest in the third year of the College’s mentoring program, GCC Mentor Connect.

These students and mentors met once a month to discuss topics like resume writing, graduate school, internship searching, and more. Alumni mentors were encouraged to provide their mentees with special opportunities to enrich their experience and expand their career insights, including activities such as job shadowing.

Jim Shyu ’25, a Biology/Health major from Murrysville, Pa., had the opportunity to participate in a couple of shadowing experiences with Dr. Andrew Leuenberger ’07, medical director at Pittsburgh Mercy Health System.

“I was able to see that Dr. Leuenberger is incredibly loving and caring towards the patients that he sees. I also learned that not everyone is as fortunate as we are in terms of medical care and where they grew up,” Shyu shared.

Meg Daugherty ’25, an Exercise Science major (Pre-Occupational Therapy) from Olmsted

Township, Ohio, also had the opportunity to shadow Carrie Mossgrove ’16, an occupational therapist at Lutheran SeniorLife in Pittsburgh. Mossgrove works as a geriatric occupational therapist and assists residents with daily living activities. “I had an incredible time seeing what Carrie does on an average day at her job and getting many questions about the field answered,” Daugherty said.

GCC Mentor Connect was developed to help fulfill the College’s mission to equip students in their pursuit of God’s calling for their lives by pairing them with alumni who can offer guidance and support in their professional development.

The program offers a meaningful way for alumni to engage with students and give back to the College.

“I have seen such significant and positive impact on both our student and alumni program participants, and I am excited to offer this avenue for student investment to our incredible alumni network,” Mandy Sposato ’00, program coordinator, said.

A group of alumni are volunteering to pair up with students through the Mentor Connect program.

Carrie (Anderson ’17) Mossgrove and Meg Daughtry ’25.

Jim Shyu ’25 and Dr. Andrew Leuenberger ’07.

Family Weekend 2024: Picnics, performances, and proud parents

By Lauren Border ‘24

Grove City College welcomed moms, dads, siblings, grandparents, aunts, and uncles with open arms for Family Weekend April 26to 28. Students went above and beyond to provide their loved ones with an insider’s view of campus life and the remarkable presentations and performances they diligently prepared for throughout the year.

Beyond the joy of reuniting with their students, Family Weekend 2024 served as a platform to celebrate the impressive academic, athletic, and extracurricular accomplishments of a talented student body. The jam-packed schedule featured a student art exhibit, a theater showcase, the Orchesis dance production, an impressive display of student research, many vocal and instrumental concerts, Engineering and Computer Science Senior presentations, Wolverine baseball games, Greek-sponsored luncheons, and, of course, the beloved annual tradition of All-College Sing.

President Paul J. McNulty ’80 welcomed 35 legacy families to Carnegie Alumni Center for the Legacy Breakfast, a time to honor those alumni families who carry on the Grove City College tradition through multiple generations. This gathering of proud Grovers was a highlight of Family Weekend for many, as families gathered to celebrate the unbreakable bonds that connect them.

Save the Date Now for Family Weekend 2025! April 25-27

GCC Sweethearts

Asimple social media post calling for alumni engagement on Valentine’s Day prompted nearly 100 alumni to share their Grove City College love stories. Married alumni couples were asked to share photos with just one stipulation – they had to have met ‘mid the Pines. Photos poured in with notes about how the couples met and the nostalgia was sweet! These matches made in heaven were sparked while baking cookies in MAP, marching in the band, at the Graffiti Dance, sitting in Algebra class and Biology lab, on the baseball field, in Touring Choir, at Chapel (thank you, Nancy Paxton!), on ICO trips, and chatting on the VAX! Many couples had common stories of first kisses on Rainbow Bridge, young men being “creeked” upon their engagements, and dates at the Guthrie. For many Grovers, one thing is certain, the College was the birthplace of their lifetime love story.

Scan this QR code to See the GCC Sweethearts gallery and read the captions for their sweet love stories!

1.) Alumni and donors connected with their student scholarship recipients at the Scholarship Celebration in April. 2.) Alumni, friends, and parents take in a GCC baseball spring training game and some BBQ in March in Auburndale, Fla. 3.) President McNulty hosted a pre-concert reception at Olive or Twist in Pittsburgh before seeing the Getty’s “Irish Christmas” at the Benedum Center. 4.) At the Senior Launch event in February, alumni and friends shared life and career advice. 5.) December graduates gathered for a reception at the President’s House. 6.)

Touring Choir fans gathered with hosts John ’90 and Sue (Salem ’89) Calhoun before a concert in March in Charlottesville, Va. 7.) Students in character from the Children’s Theatre show “Miss Nelson is Missing” entertain at a breakfast for families. 8.) Students took a break from their studies to express some gratitude to alumni and friends on Thank a Donor Day on March 13. 9.) Alumni and friends in Dallas, Texas, gathered in February for an after-work mixer at Sevy’s Grill. 10.) Alumni Council member Laura (Koller ’11) Fryan and her husband Ray Fryan ‘08 hosted a mixer in April at LockKeepers in Cleveland, Ohio. 11.) Nashville, Tenn., area alumni and friends met up with members of the women’s basketball team in December.

ALUMNI & FRIENDS DATES TO REMEMBER

June 12 Alumni and Friends Mixer with President McNulty Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar Washington, D.C

September 11 Grove City College Alumni and Friends Golf Outing Olde Stonewall Golf Club Ellwood City, PA

September 12  David R. Rathburn ’79 Memorial Service Harbison Chapel

October 11-13

Homecoming 2024

Various campus locations

November 1  Highlands Sporting Clays Seven Springs, PA

Alumni and friends enjoy a Grovers’ night out recently for a Pirates game at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.

To learn more about these events, visit www.alumni.gcc.edu/events

They picked pickleball

Senior class president Megan Mathes ’24 presented President Paul J. McNulty ’80 with a facsimile check for $14,042.96 at the senior luncheon held the day before commencement in MAP courtyard. The check will go toward the Class of 2024’s gift to the College, a pickleball court on Lower Campus.

GROVE CITY COLLEGE FOOTBALL TAILGATES

Join the Grove City College community to get ready for the game and support our defending PAC champions this fall! Enjoy some good food and great fellowship with alumni, students, friends, and Willie & the Cheerleaders at one of our signature Tailgate events.

September 7 vs. Geneva Tailgate – 11 a.m. | Game – 1 p.m.

September 28 Night Game vs. Allegheny Tailgate – 5 p.m. | Game – 7 p.m. Fireworks to follow

October 26 vs. Thiel Tailgate – 11 a.m. | Game – 1 p.m.

November 9 vs. Case Western Tailgate – 11 a.m. | Game – 1 p.m.

November 16 @ Westminster Tailgate – 11:30 a.m. at Hop Asylum Brewing (New Wilmington) Game – TBA

Watch your email for more details and registration information.

The Galapagos

February 1-8, 2025

3-19, 2025

1-12, 2025

20-29, 2025

22-30, 2025

13-22, 2025

Islands

European Coastal Cruise May

Flavors of Tuscany May

South Korea & Japan June

The Greek Isles by Luxury Sailing Yacht June

Enchanting Gems of Austria: Graz & Salzburg August

OCTOBER

11-13, 2024

Join us for Homecoming 2024 at Grove City College! This year’s festivities promise to be unforgettable as we celebrate the bonds that tie us together, whether you’re an alum, a current student, or a friend of the College. Don’t miss the chance to see our Wolverine football team play Carnegie Mellon University!

WOLVERINE WINNERS

A history-making season for Grove City College athletics validates a distinctive approach to collegiate sports.

By Nick Hildebrand

It is hard to say if the past year was the greatest in Grove City College sports history, but there’s no question it was a great one. From the starting whistle, the Wolverines were on a roll and by Christmas, the College’s student-athletes and coaches had racked up an impressive run of achievements that were matched and sustained until the last week of the spring semester. The stats speak for themselves:

TEN PRESIDENTS’ ATHLETIC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Wolverine teams claimed titles in women’s soccer, women’s cross country, women’s tennis, football, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, men’s indoor track and field, men’s track and field, and men’s and women’s lacrosse.

WINNING PAC ALL-SPORTS TROPHIES

For the first time in 18 years, a single school claimed the men’s and women’s awards for the 2023-24 year, which are based on teams’ respective finish in each sport sponsored by the conference.

The football team’s championship run captured the imagination and interest of a national audience, thanks in part to its inspiring back story. Just seven years ago, the team was mired in a three-year victory drought and discounted by most DIII competitors. This fall, Coach DiDonato’s “brick by brick” philosophy and the commitment of his players to “glorify God, while earning a degree, building lasting relationships, and competing for PAC and national championships” was validated and, thanks to a viral video, spread widely.

Football commands much, some would say too much, attention in the world

EIGHT

PAC COACH

OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Men’s Lacrosse - Alec Jernstedt; Men’s Outdoor and Indoor Track & FieldJessica Cooper; Men’s and Women’s Swimming & Diving - Dave Fritz ’94; Football - Andrew DiDonato ’10; Women’s Tennis - Nate Horner; and Women’s Cross Country - Laura Rybka.

104 MAKE PAC ACADEMIC HONOR ROLL

The College set a record for most student-athletes on the roll ever by any conference school in the fall. Numbers for the spring aren’t in, but Grove City College is certainly in the hunt.

of collegiate sports, but inspiration was everywhere this year on the College’s courts and fields. From the surprising success of women’s cross country under Coach Rybka to the nose-to-the-grindstone effort of the women’s lacrosse team, which captured its first conference title in just its third season of varsity competition, to superlative softball, baseball, basketball, and other programs that racked up records aplenty but came up just short of total victory.

“The 2023-24 athletic year was a direct reflection of our ‘Wolverines Together’ vision,” said Athletic Director Todd Gibson ’02, who highlighted the All-Sports awards as

NINE ALL-AMERICANS

Football standouts Vinnie LePre ’24 and Ben Bladel ’25; Soccer sensation Emma Herrmann ’25; standout lefthanded pitcher Nick Guidas ’24 and lacrosse stars Matt Blythe ’25, Zachary Hougan ’25, Danny Stone ’24, Sam Stevenson ’26, and Trey Zabroski ’25.

RECORD SEASON

The Wolverine football team went 10-0 in the regular season and advanced for the first time in program history to the NCAA Division III playoffs, where they bested undefeated Susquehanna, 2120, before falling to eventual national champion SUNY Cortland, 25-24.

particularly indicative of that spirit. “Certainly, the championship wins, All-Americans, and Coach of the Year Awards garnered well-deserved attention. However, the AllSports Trophy is reflective of every piece of our athletic program. This includes every athlete, coach, administrator, faculty and staff member, student, alumni, and fan who touches our program.”

“Wolverines Together” became a rallying cry for GCC athletics a half decade ago and serves as a distillation of the College’s intentional approach to collegiate sports. Wolverines Together calls for building strong team cultures rooted in Christian faith and

fellowship and connected to the holistic educational mission of the College. The goal is to help student-athletes become talented, faithful, self-sacrificing citizens devoted to their families and communities when their playing days are over. GCC student-athletes understand that how well they played the game and what they learned from it matters far more than the final score.

That doesn’t mean the score isn’t important. While the College values the community and stewardship that Wolverines Together advances, it also strives for excellence. In this context, that means playing competitively, being as good or better, than the opposing team.

Excellence requires planning and investment. Guided by two strategic plans, the College directed resources to bring on more athletic staff to achieve the goal. The longtime practice of coaches doing double- and tripleduty ended, with each sport having its own, dedicated coach. More full time trainers and strength and conditioning coaches joined the program to ensure health and fitness. And a serious effort was made to build an athletic brand, including a deal with apparel maker Under Armour. Wolverines Together, originally a hashtag invented by Gibson and Fritz, became part of that effort.

Grove City College athletics have risen to a new level of athletic success and impact on campus and across the nation, according to President Paul J. McNulty ’80, a die-hard fan who tries to get to as many games as he can. “We’ve always played, and we’ve always had success, but it is different now,” he said. Noting that the football team was ranked nationally – number 10 in 2023 –for the first time in College history, McNulty said that attracts the attention of sports and social media and, most importantly, prospective students.

“It is our expectation that we will compete at levels that will produce similar results in the future, and that our teams will stand out for not only winning, but more importantly the character shown as they are winning.”

– Todd Gibson, Athletic Director

“We’re attracting a wider scope of athletes and transfers from across the nation,” McNulty said. The attention adds fuel to already successful recruiting efforts that have ramped up in the last decade. This fall there will be another record number of student-athletes on campus, drawn not by athletic scholarships (forbidden by DIII rules) but by a program that stands for something – and wins. “That matters,” McNulty said.

Lydia Bennett ’25, winner of this year’s Sportswoman of the Year award, said her experience as a student-athlete at Grove City far exceeded her expectations. “I’ve always been met with unwavering support, encouragement, camaraderie, and excellent coaching. The College’s athletic philosophy – rooted in respect, the pursuit of excellence, and representing Christ – has left a profound impact on me as both an athlete and an individual,” said Bennett, a rising senior who

anchors the cross country and track and field teams. The teams’ “Soli Deo Gloria” motto, which translates to Glory to God alone, enables Bennett “to perform from a place of joy – and, consequently, freedom – because of the gifts God has given me and understanding that my worth isn’t defined by performance of any kind … but by my identity as a child of God.”

For Bennett, the best part of playing a sport at Grove City College is the bond she formed with teammates, particularly during camp week before each season and in specific victories, like setting a new team record for the 4x800 in May at the All-Atlantic Region Track and Field Conference. “There’s something magical about relays that bring out the best in everyone. It’s all about depending on each other, pushing for the team, and the energy from the cheering crowd is just unbeatable … It was the perfect way to cap off

The Don highlights unsung hero

Aprizewinning entry in the College’s annual Lux Mea Film Festival shined a light on an unsung hero of Wolverine athletics, Equipment Manager Don Makepeace

The best documentary award went to students Alexie Auth, Kobi Bui, and John Hake for their film The Don

The film follows Makepeace as he goes about his work and talks about his philosophy. “I’m very particular in what I do,” he said about a job that presents new challenges every day. “You have to come up with ideas and try to figure things out … I just want to make things better here at the school for me, for coaches, for all the players,” he says. Another scene reveals Makepeace’s passion for bowling and his diligent work keeping the College’s lanes open. Coach Leo Sayles described him as a “master of the game” who keeps all the machinery working and has “a heart for students.”

Scan the QR Code to watch The Don

an incredible season with my friends, making yet another GCC athletic memory that will stick with me forever,” she said.

For alumna Stefani (Wendelschaefer ’17) Weigle, those memories and experiences undergird her work as an assistant swimming coach at North Carolina State University. A three-year letterwinner and co-captain of the swimming and diving team in her senior year, she now mentors Olympic-caliber athletes as a coach with the United States and Slovakian national teams. “My philosophy is to coach the person first, and the athlete second. That thought process was developed due to my experiences at GCC,” Weigle said.

“In black and white, my career is to make fast swimmers faster. But between the lines, this career is about serving and leading impressionable young adults and teaching them that their self-worth doesn’t depend on their performances – but the actions and values that they hold,” Weigle said. “Having a small role in that personal development is what I love about my career – and how I experienced athletics at GCC is why I am determined to make the experience of my athletes as positive as I can.”

A key part of the College’s athletic culture is student support, which has been building along with the Wolverine victories. For the last three years, The Collegian’s Emma Rossi ’25 has been following the College’s athletic scene closely, first as sports editor and then in her role as the student newspaper’s editor-in-chief. Rossi is an unabashed Wolverine superfan, based as much on the programs’ prowess as its impact on student life. She’s seen the stands get more crowded as more students turn out to support their classmates, even if they are not so sure about what’s going on.

“When our women’s lacrosse team played their inaugural home game, so many people I knew trekked down to Thorn (field) in the freezing snowy cold of Western Pennsylvania spring to support the Wolverines. For a lot of the students, it was their first time ever watching a lacrosse game. Some of them even read an article called ‘Lacrosse for Dummies’ during halftime so they knew when they could cheer,” she said.

Athletic success creates energy around all the programs, Rossi noted. “This year, it seemed like Grove City just couldn’t lose, and the anticipation and excitement that came with all the winning brought this buzz of electricity to campus. It felt like everybody wanted a piece of Wolverine athletics,” she said.

The conclusion of an exceptional year provides some satisfaction for those associated with Wolverine athletics, but also a sense expectation for what comes next. “It is our

expectation that we will compete at levels that will produce similar results in the future, and that our teams will stand out for not only winning, but more importantly the character shown as they are winning,” Gibson said.

“Grove City College athletics strives to be an athletic program that clearly honors Christ in all that we do while competing to the best of our abilities as we are called. We hope that Wolverine athletics can serve as a beacon for people across the nation seeking a program that strives to do both. Years like this, and the attention garnered from it, allow us to take steps forward in our mission.”

Five years ago in this magazine, we wrote about Wolverines Together as “a culture under construction, being built – brick by brick – by athletes, coaches and students who share a faith a competitive spirit, and a commitment.” Today, on campus and far beyond, that culture has been built, and the fruits of that labor are visible. ■

Fantastic fundraiser

Looking toward a fall with the largest football squad in College history, head coach Andrew DiDonato ’10 appealed to alumni and friends to help cover additional costs for equipment, technology, and enhanced player experiences.

It was a big ask – $50,000 – but something amazing happened when the College’s Development Office was brought in to help spread the word. In less than a month, the fundraiser netted more than 150 percent of the goal. Thanks to generous donations, the team has $75,430 to properly outfit the team and, hopefully, stay at the head of the PAC.

To support your favorite team, visit gcc.edu/giving

Grit & Glory highlights Grove City athletic connections

Grit & Glory, a podcast highlighting Grove City’s connection to excellence, faith, and character in the wide world of sports, launched this spring. It features interviews with Grove City College coaches, alumni, students, faculty, and other individuals around the country who embody these characteristics through their participation in or leadership of athletic organizations of all types.

The podcast is hosted by Joe Klimchak ‘91, former College sports information director and current In-Game Host of the Pittsburgh Pirates. For more about Grit & Glory visit alumni.gcc.edu/gritandglory

Fieldhouse, diamond, and dome will meet growing needs

When Pine Grove Normal Academy needed space to grow in 1879, the community rallied to the cause and together raised Recitation Hall, the first building on what would become the campus of Grove City College. Some gave cash, others contributed bricks and lumber, and others put their back into it – literally – with their labor.

Recitation Hall served the Academy and then the College for nearly 80 years on Lower Campus. After it was demolished in 1959, a monument was erected to mark the spot. The marker will likely be moved in the near term to make way for the next big Impact 150 building project, a multi-use fieldhouse, athletic center, and plaza planned for the site adjacent to Thorn Field and Colonial Hall Apartments. It is one of several campaign priorities to improve facilities for sports and student fitness.

In the last decade, the College has invested in personnel like coaches and strength and conditioning trainers to benefit Wolverine athletics with fantastic results. But beyond rebuilding the Walters-Zbell Tennis Courts and installing turf and lights at Don Lyle Soccer Field, work on the College’s sports infrastructure hasn’t kept pace.

While serviceable, many of the current facilities can’t sufficiently meet the needs and expectations of current and prospective students. They can’t accommodate the growing percentage of the student body that plays a growing number of varsity sports and the spaces that are shared with the entire campus community – IM Room, practice fields, fitness rooms and the like –are strained, leading to 11 p.m. intramural basketball games and very early workouts.

Forty-four-year-old Phillips Fieldhouse serves as home for three teams, but there’s barely locker room and meeting space for one of them. The Physical Learning Center has been headquarters for Wolverine Athletics since the 1950s – and it looks like it. (A 1983 addition and renovation added new spaces but did little to improve the structure’s Spartan character.) The sloping and soggy baseball field is notoriously bad, and sometimes, after periods of spring showers, unusable, forcing the team to play away.

The $26 million Lower Campus Fieldhouse will match the excellence of Grove City College, its athletic programs, and most of all, its incredible student-athletes. The multi-use facility will serve as headquarters for Wolverine football, men’s lacrosse, and tennis teams; a training center for competitors; meeting and office space for coaches and

staff; and a modern showplace for Grove City College athletics. Its footprint will link Thorn Field and the Walters-Zbell Tennis Court while a pedestrian plaza and arched entryway will enhance the game day experience for collegiate sports fans and the curb appeal for Lower Campus’ athletics.

Plans for the two-story structure include: spaces for student-athletes, including dedicated locker rooms for men’s and women’s tennis, men’s lacrosse, and football, weight and training rooms, and a large versatile space for meetings and going over film; coaches’ offices and conference space; and public spaces that include a welcoming Hall of Fame lobby and a second-floor lounge and outdoor patio that will command a view of Thorn Field for an elevated game day experience.

In addition to raising money for the Lower Campus Fieldhouse, the College is planning to build a new baseball facility, perhaps off campus, and erect an air-supported structure, basically a dome, on the practice field between Lyle Field and Campus Drive. The first will provide one of the College’s top athletic programs with a field to match its performance and Division III competitors –who are vying as much for students as they are for points against Grove City College. The dome would be a permanent, but unusual, structure. Plans call for resurfacing the field and raising the inflatable roof over it, releasing pressure on the PLC for indoor space for practice and fitness.

Just as the community’s help was critical to the success of Grove City College’s first building project, it is needed again to complete the improvements ahead. Please consider supporting the effort by contributing to Impact 150: The Anniversary Campaign for Grove City College at gcc.edu/impact150

GROVERS IN THE GAME

Jake Reid ’05 is president and CEO of the Major League Soccer team Sporting Kansas City. “I grew up playing sports and loving sports, so it’s a good fit,” Reid said of his work leading the organization, which is recognized as one of the top American clubs.

Reid wasn’t a student-athlete during his years at Grove City College, but the values that Wolverine athletic program champions –the same ones the College strives to instill in all students – have been foundational for his career.

Reid earned a Marketing degree and went to work for the National Basketball Association right after graduation, working

with teams in New Orleans and Charlotte, before joining Sporting KC in 2010 as vice president of Ticket Sales and Service. He rose through the ranks and was named to his current position in 2018. Under his leadership, the club – winners of four major championships since 2012 – has experienced substantial growth in ticket sales, corporate sponsorships, and merchandise and concession revenue.

He said his Grove City College experience continues to impact his career and life. “The strong foundation of faith carries through in everything I do,” he said.

Reid isn’t alone in that view, as other

alumni working in the sports sector, whose career paths have put them “in the game,” attest to the lasting impact the College has had on their lives.

Weigle

For Stefani (Wendelschaefer ’17) Weigle, an assistant swimming coach at North Carolina State University, a career in sports was a natural considering her experience as a swimmer – she was co-captain of Grove City’s 2016-17 swimming and diving squad and a three-year letter winner – and her education –B.A. and M.A. in Exercise Science.

Jake Reid ’05 wasn’t a student-athlete at Grove City College, but now he runs a major league soccer club.

Seeing the impact that her swim coach mother had on her teammates inspired Weigle’s career path. Her time at Grove City College was valuable in providing a model for achieving that goal. “My philosophy is to coach the person first, and the athlete second. That thought process was developed due to my experiences at GCC,” she said.

In addition to coaching, Weigle’s job includes recruiting and mentoring young athletes and serving as academic advisor for the women’s team, which has the highest team GPA in the NC State athletic department. “Having a small role in that personal development is what I love about my career, and how I experienced athletics at GCC is why I am determined to make the experience of my athletes as positive as I can,” she said.

Dr. Randy Wilber ’76 is a professor of Integrative and Applied Physiology at the University of Colorado who serves as senior sports physiologist for the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, where he works with Team USA to help athletes perform at their best in tough conditions and circumstances.

Wilber earned his B.A. in History with a minor in Education and holds advanced degrees in history and integrative physiology. As a student-athlete at Grove City College, he

was a four-year letterwinner in cross country and track and field, a sport that he continues to be involved in at the international Olympic level.

Reflecting on a career that has included being a member of the official Team USA delegation at 12 Olympic games – six summer and six winter – and working with America’s top athletes, Wilber still recalls the influence that his old College coaches John Barr, cross country, and Jim Longnecker, track and field, had on him.

“Both of these gentlemen served as great coaches, mentors, and Christian role models for me and hundreds of other athletes they coached during their GCC careers. I am forever grateful for the positive impact they had on my life,” Wilber said.

Those kinds of mentors and the community they represent were influential for Christine Blaine ’77, as well. Her Grove City College pedigree helped her get a job teaching school right after graduation, but it wasn’t until she took a summer job doing PR for an Erie racetrack that she discovered her true vocation.

The seasonal gig became a full time job in 1990 and eventually led to her being recruited as the first employee of the minor league Washington (Pa.) Wild Things baseball team. She helped name the team, create the mascot, hire the staff, and open a brand-new ballpark. “It was an amazing experience,” she said.

Today, she is the CEO of Sports Facility LLC, the Wild Things’ parent company, and still working to build up the team and the community around it. While her current job has little to do with what she studied in school, she says Grove City College was critical for her in building on the stable, conservative Christian foundation her parents established and she still recalls many things that she learned from professors like Dr. Hilda Adam Kring and Dr. James Paton.

“They have nothing to do with the nuts and bolts of my job, but they were a part of molding me into the person I’ve become,” she said. “At Grove City I learned that community is important and helping people is important.”

Lessons learned ‘mid the pines also guide Jonah Simon ’19, who is a senior analyst in Baseball Operations for the Detroit Tigers. He travels with the team throughout the season working on hitting analytics to help maximize the players’ potential.

He didn’t play any varsity sports at Grove City but was active in intramurals as he pursued a degree in Business Management.

After graduation, he studied applied analytics at Columbia University, where he excelled in part because of the study habits he developed in response to Grove City College’s rigorous academics. That drive and focus were critical to getting into the business of professional sports, he said. “I got my job through extensive networking and being surrounded by industry leaders who helped me understand the exact skill set needed for this role. I was tireless in my pursuit of developing skills that would add value to a major league organization,” Simon said.

“My time at GCC was invaluable. Its challenging academics and faith-centered environment helped form the habits and values I live out today. It also created lifelong friendships that I am incredibly grateful for,” he said.

At Grove City College, Paul Pendergast ’68 was quarterback of the undefeated 1966 squad and played varsity soccer and baseball while earning a degree in Political Science and serving as class president. After graduation and service in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, he enjoyed a 30-year sales and marketing career with IBM in the U.S. and internationally before taking on a “retirement job” that eventually put him in charge of one the nation’s top collegiate athletic programs.

Pendergast was already a successful volunteer fundraiser for the University of Connecticut’s soccer team when he was hired in 1998 to raise funds for the entire athletic program. “The athletic director saw my significant abilities to raise money and hired me to raise funds for all 24 teams. And I did. I raised over $40 million in the first year … in 2012, my last year there, we raised $98 million,” he said.

His last position at UConn was as interim athletic director, a position from which he oversaw a staff of 200 and more than 700 student-athletes. Reflecting on his life, career, and what he took away from his experience at the College, Pendergrast said, “Grove City College was about faith, confidence, camaraderie, inclusiveness, empathy, and thankfulness. God has been very good to me.” ■

Wilber

Pendergast

Blaine

Jonah Simon ’19 is a senior baseball operations analyst for the Detroit Tigers.

GCC v. Bell at 40: Decision’s impact was profound

By Nick Hildebrand

Forty years ago, a U.S. Supreme Court decision heralded a defining moment in Grove City College history.

On Feb. 28, 1984, the high court issued its ruling on Grove City College v. Bell, putting an end to the nearly-decade long legal battle over federal funding and the College’s right to self-determination. It marked the beginning of a new era, one in which Grove City College was recognized as much for the courage of its convictions as its reputation as one of America’s best Christian liberal arts colleges.

The court’s finding that financial aid awarded to eligible students constituted federal financial assistance to the College was a loss that put Grove City College at a crossroads. Accepting federal funding would subject the College to government control and political influence that could run counter to its longstanding commitment to faith and freedom.

“It blurred the line between public and private education when it comes to government control. If students used grants to attend GCC, the College would cease to be

truly independent. We would be giving the Department of Education a regulatory blank check, so to speak,” College President Paul J. McNulty ’80 said.

The College’s decision to exit the federal student aid programs rather than surrender its autonomy made Grove City College the standard bearer for academic freedom and independent higher education.

“The Court Case,” as it has become known, began in 1977, when then-College President Charles S. MacKenzie refused to sign a form that indicated Grove City College

Then College President Charles S. MacKenzie speaks to students and the media gathered outside of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., in 1983. A contingent of Grovers accompanied MacKenzie and the legal team to demonstrate, right, in support of the College when the case was argued.

would comply with Title IX, the federal law prohibiting discrimination against women in education.

While the College, which as a matter of Christian conscience has never discriminated against women or anyone else, didn’t object to the law, its leaders maintained the form was an attempt by the government to take control of private education. They firmly believed that signing off on it would subject the school to unwanted and unwarranted federal regulation.

Since, as a matter of principle, the College has never accepted any federal assistance, the government’s position that institutions that refused to sign off on Title IX compliance would lose their federal funding wasn’t initially alarming. In late 1977, the government identified federal grants and student loans as aid to the College and threatened to withdraw that support from Grove City College students.

On Nov. 8, 1978, the College and four students sued the Department of Education (T.K. Bell was the secretary when the case went to court) to save students’ financial lifelines.

“We feel somewhat like David facing Goliath on this issue. Yet because we believe we are right in seeking to maintain our integrity as an independent college, we will continue to reject both government funding and this type of government intervention,” MacKenzie said at the time.

The case wound its way through lower federal courts – with one judge wondering why the government was “hounding” a school that supported women’s rights – until it reached the Supreme Court in the fall of 1983.

The College argued that Title IX, which governs education programs receiving federal financial assistance, didn’t apply to Grove City because of its longstanding refusal to take federal money. It maintained that loans and grants were aid to students, not the College, and that taking them away from students because of the College’s actions was unfair.

Despite sympathetic words from several justices – and support from a wide spectrum of the public and the media – the College lost the case.

Rather than comply with regulations that could threaten its core commitment to faith and freedom, Grove City College withdrew from federal education grant programs immediately, replacing the money that helped needy students cover their tuition with its own financial aid system.

The loss in court, however, wasn’t seen as a victory for those who advocated government control of education. The Civil Rights Restoration Act – known as “the Grove City bill” – was passed by Congress to expand Title

“It seems counterintuitive to assert that declining federal funding has strengthened the college’s financial sustainability and affordability, but this is truly the case.”

– President Paul J. McNulty ’80

IX to every aspect of College life. The bill was vetoed by President Ronald Reagan.

“The truth is, this legislation isn’t a civil rights bill,” Reagan said. “The Grove City bill would force court-ordered social engineers into every corner of American society. I won’t cave to the demagoguery of those who cloak a big government power grab in the mantle of civil rights.”

Congress managed to override Reagan’s veto, but that law had little impact on Grove City College, which severed its last connection to the federal government in 1996 when it

withdrew completely from federal student loans programs.

Turning off the federal money spigot required “enormous determination and sacrifice,” McNulty said, noting that “Our deeply held convictions come at a price.” Over 40 years, the College has passed up millions in federal support that other schools rely on to remain open, but that has helped the College in the long run.

“Losing the Supreme Court case was one of the best things that has happened to Grove City,” McNulty said. “It seems counterintuitive to assert that declining federal funding has strengthened the College’s financial sustainability and affordability, but this is truly the case. Our alumni and friends have stepped up magnificently to support the College’s independence and allow us to build a financial aid program that far exceeds what the federal government currently offers and raise millions to replace federal grants for research and facilities.” ■

for

THE

COLLEGE’S IMPACT IS DEMONSTRATED IN THE CHARACTER AND ACHIEVEMENT OF THOSE WHO EMBODY ITS VISION AND VALUES.

Impact 150: The Anniversary Campaign for Grove City College is more than a historic fundraising and strategic building campaign to position the College for the future, it is a celebration of the history and legacy of Grove City College as it nears its sesquicentennial in 2026.

The College has had a significant impact over the last century and a half – not only on the tens of thousands of students whose lives have been transformed by the lessons learned, relationships formed, and faith fostered on campus – but on a world that has changed dramatically in that time. Over the next few years as we approach our milestone anniversary, we are going to be highlighting 150 for 150, a selection of people who embody 150 years of Grove City College history, and the excellence and faithfulness that are our hallmarks.

They are people who have made an impact on the College and the world beyond campus during the last century and half. Some are key figures in Grove City College’s history, while others are accomplished alumni, legendary faculty, or simply beloved members of the College community. They shaped, and were shaped by, the distinctive character of this special place and they are exemplars of Grove City College’s mission, vision, and values. We’ll be rolling the150 for 150 out in the pages of The GēDUNK until 2026 when we reach the College’s 150th anniversary. To best represent the scope of the College’s impact, each installment will include a cross section of “great Grovers” without regard to any ranking or chronology.

DAVID M. LASCELL

Emeritus David M. Lascell didn’t attend or graduate from Grove City College but the New York attorney was, at a critical point in history, the College’s greatest advocate. His impact on the College was profound and still felt more than four decades after he took up the Crimson and White banner.

Lascell wrote the brief in the landmark Grove City College v. Bell lawsuit and argued the case from the Western District of Pennsylvania to the well of the U.S. Supreme Court. The case stemmed from the College’s refusal to agree to comply with new and future regulations stemming from Title IX, the law requiring federally funded institutions to provide women equal access to athletic programs.

J. PAUL STICHT ’39

J. Paul Sticht was a legendary chief executive who led TWA, Campbells Soup, Federated Department Stores, and RJR Nabisco Inc. and, over the course of his career, helped create the international corporation.

Grove City College’s longtime stance against accepting federal funding seemed to inoculate the College against any fallout from refusing to, essentially, allow the U.S. government to determine the Christian private institution’s fate. But it was more complicated than that and a legal battle ensued. (See the story on page 40.) As he pleaded the case, Lascell used an “arcane” legal maneuver to establish, as a legal fact, that Grove City College did not and had not discriminated against anyone. “The only fact we have is that we’re doing this as a matter of principle,” Lascell said.

Eventually the case made its way to the Supreme Court, where Lascell laid out the College’s case succinctly. “Grove City claims no right to discriminate and does not do so. Grove City receives not one cent of federal aid, claims no right to receive federal aid, and does not want any federal aid. Grove City, however, thinks that the student aid program was created so that students can chose among educational institutions … That ought not mean that the entire educational institution is subject to the entire range of federal regulation,” he argued.

The high court’s decision – student aid was federal support, but the government could only regulate the office that received the money, in Grove City’s case the financial office – was technically

He was also a force in the life and history of Grove City College, serving on the Board of Trustees for 40 years, five of them as chair. His service from 1963 to 2003 spanned one of the most critical eras of the College’s history.

Born in 1917 in western Pennsylvania, Sticht worked his way through Grove City College, where he met wife Ferne (Cozad ’38) and earned a degree in 1939. He went to work with his father in a steel mill before joining Howard Hughes’ Trans World Airlines in 1941. After several years with the globally expanding airline, he moved on to the Campbell Soup Co. where he was vice president of its international arm. In 1960 he joined Federated Department Stores as the first executive from outside the founding Lazarus family and eventually became its president in 1967.

a loss for the College. But thanks in no small part to Lascell’s advocacy, the case established Grove City College’s national reputation as a school that stands up for principle, no matter the cost.

And the cost was very high, a point that Lascell made in later years as he served as vice chair of the Board of Trustees and Emeritus Trustee. To comply with the court’s decision, Grove City College stopped allowing students to accept federal grants and loans. While the College has been able to provide private aid and loan programs to help students, the move has cost millions over the years.

Taking on “the most powerful of adversaries – the United States government,” Lascell said, cut the College off from largest source of funding for student aid, research, and myriad other expenses. “Making up the difference requires enormous amount of work,” he said on the 25th anniversary of Grove City College v. Bell. “To thrive over the next decades, this college and its supporters will have to find remarkable amounts of alternative funding … Like so many worthwhile principles, freedom and independence here come at a very high price.”

In 2015, Lascell received a well-deserved Distinguished Service Award from the Alumni Association. He died in 2016.

In 1973 he was named president of the R.J. Reynolds tobacco company and guided it to new markets overseas, new product areas, and acquisitions including Del Monte, Nabisco, and Kentucky Fried Chicken. Sticht essentially moved R.J. Reynolds from a domestic tobacco company into a broad-based international corporation. Sales grew from $2.5 billion to $15 billion when he retired in 1984. He returned to the conglomerate to serve as chairman in 1987 and 1989.

He died in 2007, leaving a legacy as a titan of the post-war American business world and a generous supporter and able leader of his alma mater. He was honored with a Distinguished Service Award from the Alumni Association in 2003 and granted Trustee Emeritus status in 2004. His memory lives on at the College in the Sticht Lecture Hall in the Staley Hall of Arts and Letters and in the Business and Ethics lecture series that bears his name.

Trustee

BILL SMITH ’69

When Bill Smith ’69 graduated from Grove City College, his only experience with computers was the IBM punch cards used to track Chapel attendance.

But his first job out of school was selling the machines for RCA, so he put in the time and effort to learn how they worked, how to program them, and what they could do. After more than a decade in the industry in 1982, he took an entrepreneurial leap and started his own company to create connection-management software, just as the world was beginning to discover how computers would become part of everyday life.

Over the last four decades, he has overseen the growth of Smith Micro Software as the company adapted to changes in the market, went public, and saw its products become part of the cell and smartphone revolution. That longevity and sustained success is unusual in the sometimes volatile industry. “Working in the tech world is not for the faint of heart … You have to have a foundation and you have to stick to it. I think that the education I got at Grove City really prepared me for that,” Smith said.

Like many other successful alumni over the course of College history, Smith is a generous benefactor. He and his wife Dieva are lead donors to Impact 150: The Anniversary Campaign for Grove City College. In recognition of their support, Rockwell Hall will be renamed Smith Hall of Science and Technology when renovations are complete. Smith is also a big supporter of two programs that reflect his professional achievements: Computer Science and Entrepreneurship. In addition to hiring Computer Science graduates, Smith Micro Software partners with faculty and students working on capstone projects and doing research.

While business and technology has changed significantly since the 1960s, Smith says his education ‘mid the pines was comprehensive, exposing him to what makes a business work, and

providing a skillset that helped him be an effective CEO. He cites legendary economics professor Dr. Hans Sennholz as a favorite and said he took every class from the Austrian economics advocate that he could.

“What makes Grove City special is the fact that not only are you learning the skills in the discipline that you have chosen to study, but you’re also learning how to live your life in a better way,” Smith said.

JIM LONGNECKER

Jim Longnecker was a “player’s coach” long before the term became part of the sports vernacular. Over his 40 seasons as a coach and faculty member, his knowledge, enthusiasm, and positive attitude energized the student-athletes under his guidance.

Longnecker, who died at age 84 in 2017, joined Grove City College in 1957, taking

HARRIET LIBBY DICKSON

Everybody knows that Grove City College was founded by Isaac Ketler.

The conventional history of the College begins in 1876 when young schoolteacher Ketler was hired to run Pine Grove Normal Academy, a small school established to prepare the region’s youth for careers in teaching,

the reigns as head coach of the men’s swimming and diving plus track and field teams, positions that held until his retirement in 1997. He also coached cross country for a dozen years, producing AllAmericans in each sport he led.

Over his decades as swimming and diving coach, he led his teams to 40 consecutive winning seasons, including six undefeated campaigns. With a 36693 (.797) record at retirement, he stood as the winningest active swim coach in NCAA Division III and among the top five in all NCAA classifications.

Longnecker also coached champions in diving. Grove City College won seven Penn-Ohio championships and eight Presidents’ Athletic Conference titles under Longnecker. He proposed, organized, and hosted the inaugural NCAA College Division Swimming and Diving Championships in 1964 at Grove City College.

When he wasn’t at the pool, Longnecker was likely at the track, where he

accumulated a career record of 22453-1 (.808). Grove City College posted 13 undefeated seasons during his career. His teams captured seven PAC track titles after the College joined the league in 1984.

In 12 seasons as cross country coach from 1960-71, his runners posted five Western Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles, won one PennOhio Conference championship, and qualified for the NCAA College Division Championships twice.

In 2009, Grove City College renamed its competition pool in Longnecker’s honor. In 2007, the College inducted him into its Athletic Hall of Fame as part of the inaugural class of honorees. He was also an award-winning masters swimmer.

bookkeeping, ministry, or for further education. In 1884, the school was chartered and renamed Grove City College and the rest, as they say, is history.

But that’s not the whole story. When Ketler took the job at Pine Grove, he took over a school that had been open and operating under the leadership of a local Presbyterian pastor and his wife. Harriet Libby Dickson’s entire life, a chronicler of the time wrote, was “devoted to education.”

Born in 1814 and raised in Maine, Harriet Libby attended Mount Holyoke College and then went west to Missouri to teach at Marion Academy. She married the principal, William T. Dickson, who later became a minister. By 1864, when the couple accepted a call to Pine Grove Presbyterian Church in what is now Grove City, Harriet Libby Dickson had given birth to six children and buried five, including one who died in a Confederate prison camp.

Part of Rev. Dickson’s job was maintaining a school at Pine Grove and his wife took up teaching again, with their cottage serving as a schoolhouse. Initial classes included just a handful of students, but enrollment grew to about 170 and they had to move to the church. The Dicksons left Pine Grove in 1874 to lead the West Sunbury Academy in Butler County but the memory of an “exceptional teacher” stuck with her former students and the community. Harriet Libby Dickson was, in the words of one of her students, “big in brain, strong in character, and masterful in all her bearing.”

When she died in 1906, at the age of 91, her obituary included her role as “founder” of what became Grove City College and Ketler had her body brought to Grove City to lay in state so students could honor the woman who built the foundation upon which the College was built.

J. STANLEY HARKER ’25 – The fourth president of the College, Harker’s tenure from 1956 to 1971 was marked by a focus on building up academic quality, campus building projects including three residence halls, and improving post-war student life.

ROBERT THORN ’16 (1916) – A standout athlete, he served as coach, athletic director, and dean of men from 1920 to 1957. In 2006, the football field was rededicated in honor of the man known as “Coach,” “Silver Fox,” or “Mr. Thorn.”

DOUGLAS BROWNE – The choral director and professor served the College for more than three decades and led countless tours across the country and internationally. As a testament to his impact, more than 200 Touring Choir alumni returned to campus to honor him when he retired in 2014.

CINDY FORRESTER – Better known as “Senorita,” the professor of Modern Languages shared her love of language, culture, and travel with students during a career at the College that ran from 1967 to 2014.

JIM PASSILLA ’60 – A standout athlete, he was a key executive in the Walt Disney Company and oversaw personnel, training, and more for the company’s theme parks during their development.

SARA NAEGELE – One half of a longtime faculty couple, Sara joined her husband Ed in the Chemistry Department in 1966 and was a faculty “jack of all trades” during her 23 years of service to the College. They both retired in 1990.

WILLIAM W. SWEZEY – A professor of zoology who became vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college during a tenure that ran from the 1940s to the 1970s, he raised the bar for science and engineering education. The College’s STEM research fund bears his name.

PETER BOETTKE ’83 – A student of Hans Sennholz, the renowned economist is a prolific author, teacher, and thought leader who leads the F.A. Hayek Program for Advanced Study in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University.

FRED KRING – The former dean of men, dean of students, and professor of Psychology served the College from the 1950s to the 1980s during eras of great change on campus. He and his wife, professor of English Hilda Adam Kring, are well remembered by students of that era.

DR. ELIZABETH FAIR LEWIS ’98 (1898) – A trailblazer for women in the sciences and medicine, she was a doctor and missionary to China in the early years of the 20th century.

L. JOHN VAN TIL – The former writing and research assistant of J. Howard Pew joined the faculty in 1972 and was instrumental in designing the Humanities Core. He taught American intellectual history, business law, and more.

JAMES BIBZA – The Biblical and Religious Studies professor is the longest serving member of the current faculty, which he joined in 1977. As a teacher and ordained minister, Bibza has had an immeasurable impact on students.

JACK KENNEDY ’37 – He served his alma mater for 32 years as a professor and administrator, covering a number of areas including career services and as director of the Alumni Association. The College’s highest award for alumni achievement is named in his honor.

HAROLD DODDS ’09 (1909) – The president of Princeton University from 1933 to 1957, he was a confidant of President Roosevelt during WWII and a trustee of the Rockefeller Foundation and the Brookings Institute.

JOHN MOSER ’53 – Music education major and teacher who as director of admissions for 31 years and five years as registrar enrolled thousands of students from the 1960s to the 1980s.

RANDY WILBER ’76 – The senior physiologist at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, he has served Team USA athletes at 11 Olympic games. He will be joining the team this year in France.

DON LYLE – In 43 years as a coach, educator, and administrator, he influenced countless studentathletes and colleagues. The College’s soccer field is named in his honor.

JEAN MACLEOD – The dean of women from 1952 to 1971, she was best known for remembering names and faces and welcoming each woman as if she were her own daughter.

SUE MOORE – The former First Lady – 1996 to 2003 with her husband, seventh President Dr. John Moore – was focused on the campus community and helped lead the College’s 125th anniversary celebration.

HERMANN POEHLMANN – The founder of the Department of Music, he wrote the College’s alma mater “’Mid the Pines.”

ALUMNI, YOUR VOICES ARE VALUABLE!

When alumni talk about Grove City College, prospective students everywhere listen! And many, like Hector, decide to become Grovers too. Alumni voices are a tremendous influence in the Admissions process.

Learn more about how you can spread the word and refer prospective students at alumni.gcc.edu/refer

2025 ADMISSIONS DEADLINES

Early Decision I: Nov. 1, 2024

Early Decision II: Dec. 1, 2024

Regular Decision 1: Jan. 20, 2025

Stephanie (Ruscio ’01) Gardner, Hector Izas ’24, and Trevor Gardner ’01. The Gardners helped Hector discover Grove City College through the school in Guatemala where they are missionaries.

class notes class notes

KEEP IN TOUCH!

We want to keep in touch with you electronically! If you have an email address, or have recently changed your address or work information, make changes through alumni.gcc.edu/update.

Have exciting news? Submit a class note for the magazine and for viewing online at alumni.gcc.edu/classnote.

Remember to let the alumni office know that you are having a “Grover Gathering!” We’d love to send you some fun “stuff” for your event.

Email alumni@gcc.edu for more information.

YOUNG LIFE | GCC alumni and friends who serve through Young Life enhanced their leadership skills at the Young Life All-Staff Conference early this year in California. Young Life helps kids and young adults learn about Jesus and grow in their faith.

g herings g herings

Alumni build and foster connection in many ways, including getting together in what we like to call Grover Gatherings. From weekend outings to mini reunions to chance encounters, we celebrate every opportunity for Grovers to renew the ties that bind.

in memory

The Grove City College Alumni Association places a book in Henry Buhl Library in memory of each alumnus for whom the Office of Alumni and College Relations receives written notification of death, including a copy of the obituary. This pays tribute to the lives of deceased alumni while benefitting current and future students.

To notify the Office of Alumni and College Relations of the passing of a loved one, please send an obituary to alumni@gcc.edu.

Mary Ellen (Eakins) Dunbar ’44, Roswell, Ga., Dec. 30, 2023. She was a teacher and guidance counselor for 40 years. Survivors include sister Imogene (Eakins ’52) Rink

Elizabeth (Zahniser) Montgomery ’46, Uniontown, Pa., Feb. 27, 2024. She supported her husband’s pastoral career and tutored in retirement.

Marjorie (Hogue) Armstrong ’47, New Castle, Pa., April 8, 2024. She worked for Pennsylvania Engineering Corp.

Margaret (Skillen) Denniston ’47, Avella, Pa., Nov. 10, 2023.

Bertha “B.J.” (Battaglia) Vesling ’47, Pittsford, N.Y., Dec. 10, 2023. She worked in the local school’s office.

Patrica (Belknap) Potter ’49, State College, Pa., Dec. 11, 2023. She was a newspaper reporter and reading teacher.

Rebecca (Koller) Swanson ’49, Altoona, Pa., Dec. 31, 2023. Survivors include daughter Sharon (Powell ’81) Swanson

Gloria (Childs) Baker ’51, Titusville, Pa., Dec. 10, 2023.

Lauren R. Cousins ’51, Monroeville, Pa., Jan. 23, 2024.

William E. “Red” Stonebraker ’51, Elizabeth Township, Pa., Jan 2, 2024. The Navy veteran had a career with State Farm.

O. Alan Holsinger Jr. ’52, Indiana, Pa., March 9, 2024. He began his own law practice, now Holsinger, Clark and Armstrong.

Samuel A. Krempasky ’52, Massillon, Ohio, Feb. 21, 2024. The Army veteran was retired from Akzo Salt Co.

Clair H. Rau ’52, York, Pa., Nov. 2, 2023. The Army veteran worked for Caterpillar Inc.

Richard H. Riese ’52, Dallastown, Pa., April 18, 2023. The Navy veteran worked in the business office of General Machine Works.

Rev. Dr. Lloyd E. Shaw ’52, Glen Carbon, Ill., Jan. 14, 2024. He led and trained teachers in Presbyterian churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois and wrote eight books.

Dr. Allan M. Spencer ’52, Cleveland Heights, Ohio, March 17, 2024. An Army veteran, he ran a private podiatry practice and taught for many years at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. Survivors include wife Mary Ellen (Songer ’52) Spencer and son Dr. Scott Spencer ’83.

Dr. Gerard W. Vollmer ’52, Mount Pleasant, S.C., Feb. 29, 2024. A Navy veteran, he taught high school science, authored a chemistry textbook, and became assistant business manager for Troy (Pa.) Area School District.

John R. Wagner ’52, Pittsburgh, Pa., Jan. 17, 2024. The Army

veteran was a math teacher and junior high principal.

Sara “Sally” (Adams) Winland ’52, Hermitage, Pa., March 28, 2024. She was a homemaker who also taught both grade school and high school. She served on the College’s Alumni Council and Board of Trustees. Survivors include children Mark Winland ’79, Robert Winland ’80, and Marcia Sopher ’99

James F. Boykan ’53, Sewickley, Pa., Feb. 14, 2024. The Army veteran was an engineer and project manager.

Dr. Walter O. Willoughby Jr., ’53, Mt. Lebanon, Pa., Dec. 21, 2023. He practiced family and sports medicine for 40 years.

Gertrude “Bucky” (Shogren) Poppleton ’53, Carmel, Ind., March 6, 2024. She was a homemaker, children’s home administrator, and children’s book author.

Joan (Logie) Reed ’54, Venice, Fla., and Jamestown, N.Y., March 14, 2024. She raised her family and was a substitute business teacher. Survivors include husband J. William Reed ’53

Barbara (Davies) Boyer ’55, Loudon, Tenn., Feb. 4, 2024. She worked for 20 years for the Berea, Ohio, school system.

Robert L. Brimner ’55, Pittsburgh, Pa., March 30, 2022. The Navy veteran and electrical engineer had a career with Bell Telephone.

Suzanne (Myers) Bruce ’56, State College, Pa., Dec. 26, 2023. She worked at Lenape Vo-Tech and taught adult education.

Mary E. Harbison ’56, Apollo, Pa., April 6, 2024. She taught music in the Syracuse, N.Y., schools.

Carol (Bowlby) Jones ’56, Clarksburg, W.Va., Nov. 15, 2023.

E. Jane (Stewart) McDermott ’56, Linesville, Pa., March 15, 2024. She was an elementary music teacher and church musician.

John F. Owen ’56, Hendersonville, N.C., Jan. 2, 2024. After Air Force service, he was an engineer with Boeing Aerospace then US Steel Corp.

Caroline (Weppler) Palo ’56, Boynton Beach, Fla., Dec. 20, 2023. She was a homemaker and community volunteer.

William R. Sommer ’56, Keswick, Va., Nov. 21, 2023. He was divisional vice president of technical support systems for Woodward & Lothrop department stores.

Dr. David W. Bashline ’57, Cranesville, Pa., Jan. 22, 2024. The family practitioner was on staff at Millcreek Community Hospital.

Frank E. Carlson ’57, Houston, Texas, Jan. 23, 2024. The Navy veteran had a career with Pennzoil.

H. Richard Hess Jr. ’57, Selinsgrove, Pa., Nov. 30, 2023.

William H. Peters ’57, Naperville, Ill., Dec. 20, 2023. After Marine Corps service, he worked in the railroad industry then helped to lead YSD Industries. Survivors include wife Deanna (Verner ’60) Peters

Ralph E. Silverthorn ’57, Mercer, Pa., Jan. 11, 2024. The Navy veteran worked as a comptroller, administrator, and bookkeeper.

Robert A. Van Cleef ’57, Greenport, N.Y., Nov. 21, 2023. The Army and Army Reserve veteran worked for Wesfair Insurance for 42 years.

Vernon B. Brown ’59, Camarillo, Calif., March 15, 2024. After Air Force service, he began a 31-year career with American Airlines.

Jean (Nystrom) Lundahl ’59, Meadville, Pa., Jan. 19, 2024. She worked in Allegheny College’s Admissions Office and as the City of Meadville’s receptionist.

Charlé (Berry) Reiber ’59, Easton, Pa., Jan. 29, 2024. She worked for TWA.

Donald W. Bauer ’60, Dublin, Ohio, Dec. 5, 2023. After an Air Force career, he became a top salesman with Cessna, then Learjet. Survivors include brother Ronald Bauer ’59.

The Rev. Dr. Benjamin S. Booth ’60, Mentone, Ala., Nov. 21, 2023. The Army veteran served Presbyterian pastorates in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Virginia and was president of a children’s home.

Richard F. Burow ’60, Midland, Mich., Jan. 12, 2024. He was a chemical engineer with Dow Corning.

The Rev. William G. Hart ’60, Canton, N.Y., Dec. 25, 2023. He served several churches and was minister of higher education for the Northern New York Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Robert D. Jackson ’60, Clermont, Fla., June 13, 2023. He worked in mortgage banking.

Joseph S. Kurcon ’60, North Wales, Pa., Dec. 30, 2023. After Army Reserve service, he started Process Automation and later worked for Endress & Hauser.

Nancy (McElwain) Rauso ’60, Murrysville, Pa., Feb. 13, 2024. She taught English before raising her daughters. Survivors include husband Gerald Rauso ’60

Linda (Vogan) Rhodes ’60, Mercer, Pa., March 29, 2024. She lived many years in Allison Park.

John A. Slavcoff ’60, Gaithersburg, Md., April 22, 2024. An Air Force veteran, he had a 40-year career in sales, both for the film industry and as a realtor. He also advocated for people with developmental disabilities. Survivors include wife Dorothy (Conley ’60) Slavcoff and sister Louise (Slavcoff ’56) Baird.

Barbara (Tregembo) Bauer ’61, Dublin, Ohio, April 27, 2024. She taught high school business for 15 years after supporting her husband’s military career (see Donald Bauer ’60 left) and raising her family. Survivors include brother Barry Tregembo ’61.

Elizabeth “Betsy” (Reynolds) Galbreath ’61, Austell, Ga., March 4, 2024. She was devoted to family and friends.

Robert S. Rownd ’61, Canton, Ohio, March 30, 2024. He was a financial planner with his firm New Market Financial.

James A. Urner ’61, Vero Beach, Fla., Nov. 14, 2023. He was vice president at Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance in Conn., and a weekend farmer.

John J. “Jack” Barry ’62, Houston, Texas, April 14, 2024. The former Naval officer had a 38-year career in the technology industry, culminating in serving as CEO

of The Systems Center and later Petroleum Information Corp. He mentored aspiring entrepreneurs. In 1997, the College honored him with a Jack Kennedy Memorial Alumni Achievement Award.

Donald L. Connell ’62, Greenville, Pa., July 11, 2023. He taught music at Commodore Perry.

Ronald H. Shilling ’62, Charlotte, N.C., Feb. 8, 2024. He taught in the Conneaut (Pa.) School District for 33 years, notably elementary and high school music and band. Survivors include wife Jeanie (Livingston ’62) Shilling Doris “Budzie” (McCoy) Stalnaker ’62, Altoona, Pa., Nov. 17, 2023. She had worked as a laboratory technician.

Gayle (Maischoss) Adema ’63, Bradenton, Fla., March 10, 2024. She raised her family with husband Robert Adema ’63, who survives.

Lynda (Taft) Pike ’63, Dade City, Fla., Jan. 29, 2024. She held both elementary school teacher and principal positions.

Carl L. Sorzano ’63, West Grove, Pa., Nov. 17, 2023. He became CFO at DeVault Foods, after serving in the Army and Reserves. Survivors include wife Margene (Naumowich ’66) Sorzano.

Edward L. Hite ’64, Lambertville, Mich., Feb. 11, 2024. He was a research engineer for 30 years and a professor at Owens Community College.

Dr. Allen C. Johnston ’64, New Wilmington, Pa., April 6, 2024. After Army service, he taught briefly at Grove City College and in Iran, before teaching education at Westminster College from 1976-2001. He was a leader

among the Nu Lambda Phi alums and recent member of the College Alumni Council.

Dr. Thomas J. Saddoris II ’64, Oregon City, Ore., Nov. 26, 2023. He led his own internal medicine practice after serving with the US Public Health Service and the Coast Guard. Survivors include wife Rae Belle (Burch ’64) Saddoris

Susan (Carlsen) Stemen ’64, Summerfield, Fla., Jan. 28, 2024. After raising her children, she worked in accounting.

Rev. Joseph F. Condro ’65, Churchville, Md., May 23, 2023. He served the Lord for 54 years as a Presbyterian minister. Survivors include brother Charles Condro ’62

William A. Levengood ’65, Strasburg, Ohio, March 29, 2024. The Air Force veteran owned and operated Levco Striping Service after working for JI Case Construction Equipment.

Robert L. Bishop ’66, Jupiter, Fla., March 3, 2024. After Army service, he was a rep for Zimmer Orthopedic Surgical Products in western New York.

Virgil R. “Sonny” Stewart ’66, Rimersburg, Pa., Dec. 30, 2023. The Air Force veteran and engineer started Clarion Electric Supply Co.

C. Philip Cressman Jr. ’67, Roanoke, Va., Feb. 9, 2024. The Air Force veteran taught school, started a hearing aid business and Cressman Log Homes. Survivors include sister Lois (Cressman ’66) King

A. Stephens “Steve” Brown Jr. ’68, Louisville, Tenn., Feb. 6, 2024. He was a co-publisher at the Brown-Thompson Newspaper and remained in the printing industry. Survivors include wife Peggy (Lutz ’68) Brown

Andrew W. Kuehn ’68, Renfrew, Pa., Feb. 12, 2024. He taught French in the Butler Area School District and was a musician.

Kristen (Peterson) LaBelle ’68, Quincy, Mass., Jan. 4, 2024. She spent 40 years as a therapist with social service agencies near Boston.

Cheryl (Adams) Lucht ’68, Mechanicsburg, Pa., March 31, 2024. She taught English in Erie schools and was a published poet.

Dr. Jonathan L. Evans ’69, Winston Salem, N.C., Feb. 1, 2024. He served patients in internal medicine, radiology, and pulmonology. Survivors include daughters Stephanie (Evans ’98) Rudnicke and Lisa (Evans ’01) Mathewson.

Susan (Ewing) Garrison ’69, Coronado, Calif., Oct. 24, 2023. She and her husband founded the Garrison Financial accounting firm. Survivors include sister Nancy (Ewing ’63) Darlington

Lt. Col. Thomas A. Malec ’69, Jan. 17, 2024. He had a distinguished career with the U.S. Air Force, later working for TRW, Northrop Grumman, and the Department of Energy.

Larry S. Zajdel ’69, Cumberland, Md., March 8, 2024. The engineer had a long career with Allegany Ballistics Laboratory and its missile program.

W. Boyd Oliver ’70, New Hope, Pa., Jan. 13, 2024. A CPA, he worked as an auditor, comptroller, and business owner.

William A. Olson ’70, West Newton, Pa., Dec. 3, 2023. He worked for Pittsburgh Wheeling Steel.

Margaret D. Provenzano ’70, Sharon, Pa., Nov. 6, 2023.

She taught high school math and was a homebound tutor.

William N. Blakely Jr. ’73, Butler, Pa., Dec. 13, 2023. He worked for telephone companies and FedEx Ground in Pittsburgh.

Cathy (Engle) Brinjak ’73, Valencia, Pa., Jan. 19, 2024. She was a longtime academic advisor and faculty member at Slippery Rock University, later working at LaRoche College.

Virginia (Schellhaas) Neiger ’73, Pittsburgh, Pa., Feb. 23, 2024. She served as a teacher, hospital worker, and home daycare provider. Survivors include daughter Kelsey (Neiger ’08) Cattley

Barbara (Stevenson) Turner ’73, Silver Spring, Md., Dec. 16, 2023. She worked in banking before becoming a career coach.

The Rev. Vaughn C. Glover Jr. ’74, Mount Joy, Pa., Nov. 14, 2023. He led Methodist churches in New York and Pennsylvania and was a volunteer firefighter.

Thomas R. Wager ’74, Victor, N.Y., Oct. 24, 2023. He was a long-time educator and social worker.

Terry L. Myers ’75, Pittsburgh, Pa., June 25, 2023. He managed Scozio’s Giant Eagle in Penn Township.

Janice (Demase) Kasony ’76, Trafford, Pa., Jan. 8, 2024. She worked as a CPA and property manager.

Jerome F. Marra ’77, Middleton, Wisc., March 20, 2024. The chemical engineer worked for both Owens Corning and Kraft Foods/Oscar Mayer.

Susan (Campbell) Elias ’78, Brisbane, Australia, June 30, 2023. Survivors include sisters Barbara (Campbell ’81)

Barnes and Carolyn (Campbell ’75) Goodrow.

Jeanne (Williams) Kasbee ’78, Meadville, Pa., Feb. 3, 2024. She owned and operated The Travel Experience agency in Meadville.

Barbara J. MacInnes ’78, Lawrenceville, Ga., May 25, 2022. She worked in investment management in Rochester, N.Y., and Atlanta, Ga.

Janet R. Saffold ’80, Weirton, W.Va., Feb. 25, 2024. After working as a singer, she was employed in retail and was a substitute preacher.

Christopher F. Goeckel ’81, Zellwood, Fla., Feb. 3, 2024. He had been a branch manager at ABF Freight for 35 years and was active in community theater.

Walter P. “Buddy” Kretzler III ’81, Bourbonnais, Ill., Feb. 18, 2024. He was working as director of quality assurance/ chief metallurgist at Niagara LaSalle Corp. His wife, Roxane Holt, passed with him in this auto accident.

David M. Hall ’85, Butler, Pa., Jan. 10, 2024. He worked for the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C., for 37 years.

George J. Egger ’91, Jackson Center, Pa., Jan. 13, 2024. He was a technician in landfill construction.

Karen (Miller) Gebbie ’91, Chesley, Ontario, CN, Nov. 29, 2023. She was a registered nurse in family practice settings and helped the community school.

Rebecca (Smith) Hecker ’92, Ellwood City, Pa., April 2, 2024. She worked in counseling and therapy to help youth.

Timothy R. Settlemyer ’92, Carlisle, Pa., March 16, 2024. He was working at Community Cares.

Christopher M. Shipe ’14, Monroeville, Pa., Dec. 13, 2023. He was an applications engineer at SGS and a photographer.

Haley M. Monts ’18, Vienna, Va., April 5, 2024. She was a grant writer at the Latin American Youth Center in Washington, D.C.

Monica (Boyd) Ashworth ’19, Sterling, Va., March 7, 2024. She taught eighth grade math for five years and had a baby boy, Lincoln, in February 2024. Survivors include parents Douglas ’83 and Judith (Gardiner ’83) Boyd.

Friends

Former College First Lady LaVonne (Rudolph ’56) MacKenzie, New Wilmington, Pa., died Dec. 25, 2023. “Vonnie,” a Grove City native, married Grove City College’s fifth president, the Rev. Dr. Charles S. MacKenzie in 1985. Upon Dr. MacKenzie’s retirement from the College in 1991, the couple moved to Florida and its Reformed Theological Seminary before later returning to Pennsylvania. Survivors include her sister Dr. Katherine (Rudolph ’58) Wiley. Memorial contributions may be made to the LaVonne (Rudolph ’56) MacKenzie Scholarship at the College.

Dr. Jerry H. Combee, sixth president of the College, died on Dec. 27, 2023. He was 79. Combee was instrumental in moving Grove City College into a position of national recognition and prominence during his tenure from 1991 to 1995. He was, in the words of former College Trustee R. Heath Larry ’34, “a man of immense capability.”

Under his leadership, the College’s national profile was raised, enrollment was increased and broadened, and the quality of students and faculty improved. In 1994, he oversaw the beginning of a long-running technology initiative that has to date provided every incoming freshman with a laptop computer. Combee advanced the College’s core Keystone Curriculum by launching the Civilization Series humanities core, which won national acclaim. He also taught the introductory course, HUMA 101 Civilization, to all students. During his administration, Memorial Hall was rebuilt, and the College began to highlight its thought leadership and build connections in Washington D.C.

Before assuming the presidency, Combee served the College as dean and vice president for Academic Affairs beginning in 1988. Combee is survived by his wife Daneille and a daughter, Cara Combee Hunter. He was preceded in death by a son, Trevor Combee.

Retired administrator and faculty member Dr. Ross Foster, Northport, Mich., died Jan. 22, 2024. Serving the College from 1969-2000, Foster was vice president for student affairs for 14 years, dean of students for three years, and taught philosophy/ humanities/religion for 31 years.

Foster played a significant role in strengthening the College’s Christian character and creating the core curriculum that ensures all students have a grounding in the liberal arts and sciences and an understanding of the Christian worldview. “The ’70s witnessed dramatic changes at Grove City College. Ross played a significant role in what swept the campus … Ross labored to establish an evangelical witness among the students. He insisted there be a difference between a simply church-related college and a truly Christan institution, showing his commitment to the implication of the gospel for the curriculum,” his former colleague Dr. Andrew Hoffecker said.

He and his late wife, Barbara, lived in Cunningham House for several years while restoring it. Survivors include children Cheryl (Foster ’84) Cerk and Scott Foster ’88. Donations may be directed to the Ross and Barbara Foster Merit Scholarship at Grove City College.

GIN MEMORIAM DAVID R. RATHBURN ’79 Trustee

Chair Emeritus (1957-2024)

rove City College Trustee Chair Emeritus David R. Rathburn ’79 left an indelible mark on the College as a student, alumnus, benefactor, and leader. Rathburn died Feb. 6, 2024, after a long battle with cancer. He was 66.

During 28 years of service on the Board of Trustees, Rathburn led Grove City College through an era of unprecedented growth and change and generously supported the College’s vision, mission, and values. When he stepped down in 2020, the Board granted him Chair Emeritus status.

College leaders said Rathburn as a leader of vision and capability who had an enormous impact on his alma mater.

“The transformative impact of David’s leadership cannot be overstated. He skillfully guided the Board of Trustees into a new era of effective governance by introducing strategic planning, prioritizing endowment growth, and encouraging more extensive board deliberations on key issues,” said Edward D. Breen ’78, Trustee chair. “David boldly embraced opportunities for improvement while maintaining an unwavering commitment to Grove City College’s cherished values. His wise counsel will be greatly missed.”

“David’s exceptional intelligence, boundless energy, amazing generosity, consistent respect and heart-felt compassion for others, and unshakable faith in God’s grace are attributes rarely found in one leader,” College President Paul J. McNulty ’80 said. “He will long be honored by the College community alongside the names of Ketler, Pew, MacKenzie, and the other greatest leaders of Grove City College.”

choir, was inducted into ODK leadership honorary, and belonged to the Nu Lambda Phi fraternity.

After graduating with degrees in accounting, business administration, and political science in 1979, He went to work for Price Waterhouse before joining Hopeman Brothers Marine Division of AWH Corp as assistant to the president. In 1991, at the age of 33, Rathburn was named president of the company and led it for 22 years before forming marine interior outfitter US Joiner LLC. After selling US Joiner in 2011, he served as vice chairman of Trident Marine Systems.

Rathburn was elected to the Board in 1992 and named its Chair in 2003, becoming the youngest person in College history to serve in that role. At that time, he was already serving as interim president of the College after the retirement of seventh President Dr. John H. Moore. Rathburn led the Board for 17 years.

During his tenure, Grove City College extricated itself from the federal student loan program, became one of the premier Christian colleges in the U.S, raised half a dozen new buildings –including Rathburn Hall, the Christian activities building –and established a robust network of spiritual and financial support.

The College honored Rathburn with its highest awards. He received the institution’s Jack Kennedy Memorial Alumni Achievement Award in 2001, and in 2020 he was named the winner of the prestigious Distinguished Service Award.

He is survived by two sons, Mark ’08 and Tyler ’18.

As a student, Rathburn was a leader in the Student Government Association, played varsity soccer, was sports director and a broadcaster on campus’ WSAJ radio station, sang in the

A memorial service will be held Sept. 12 in Harbison Chapel on campus. Memorial gifts can be made to the David R. Rathburn ‘79 Memorial Scholarship Endowment at Grove City College. Visit gcc.edu/impact150 for more information.

li’l Wolverines ONCEA GROVER ... ALWAYS A GROVER

CONGRATULATIONS NEW PARENTS!

Grove City College welcomes your new bundle of joy. We want to send your newborn a Grove City College T-shirt. So between the feedings and late-night lullabies, be sure to send the Office of Alumni and College Relations your child’s name and date of birth. Shirts are available only in infant size.

Due to the popularity of the Alumni Babies feature, photos will be limited to babies under the age of 5 in Grove City College shirts only. Digital photos must be high resolution, 300 dpi. Please do not embed photos in the body of an email message, but rather attach a high-resolution image.

To request a baby shirt, visit alumni.gcc.edu/babyshirt Send pictures to alumni@gcc.edu.

Born

Ria

and 11-14-21

Justine

Claire Ellyn Durbin Born 9-18-23

Kate (Henry ’14) and Christian ’15 Durbin

Sophia Henson Born 9-2-22

Christin and Sam ’19 Henson

Isabelle and Jackson Dennis Born 5-31-22 and 3-27-20

and Ryan ’20 Dennis

Ada Corene and Eli Milton Diltz Born 2-19-20 and 5-9-22

Abigail (Gagnon ’07) and Zac Diltz

Madelyn Elizabeth Keibler Born 9-5-23

Heather and Garret ’15 Keibler

Jane Hildbold Born 8-9-22

Stephanie and Caleb ’21 Hildbold

Lewis Alan Green Born 11-14-23

Maerin (Hodge ’22) and Jacob ’22 Green

Matthias Eli Hershey Born 2-7-23

Heidi and Loren ’07 Hershey

Sidney and Violet Betush

6-22-18

(Swanekamp ’08) and Matthew Betush

Cooper Zelmer Fielding Born 12-2-22

Ashley (Branch ’14) and Steven ’14 Fielding

Melody Ann, born 8-27-21

James Andrew, born 10-12-23

John Mark, born 5-24-19

Rebekah (Newborn ‘10) and Ian ’10 Gilbert

Cayson Kyle Hallman Born 9-19-23

Holly and Craig ’07 Hallman

Vincent Scott Kendall Born 12-18-23

Emily (Gumienny ’20) and Evan Kendall

Robert “Grady” and Addison Grace Myroniuk

Born 2-19-23 and 3-15-19

Alexandra (Johnson ’07) and Robert Myroniuk

Abigail Jade King Born 9-4-23

Elizabeth (Hoover ’05) and Joel King

Jacob Andrew Ritenour Born 7-10-23

Rebecca (Redmond ’13) and Andrew ’12 Ritenour

Cameron Claire Laseak Born 7-7-23

Brittany (Anderson ’08) and JJ Laseak

Martin Elian Smith Born 2-2-24

Kira (Hellweg ’17) and Bradley ’17 Smith

Lewis Andrew MacGregor Born 1-15-23

Katherine (Dudt ’19) and Roy MacGregor

Julia Kathryn Street Born 6-23-23

Libby (Carbone ’14) and Tommy Street

James Theo Maker Born 6-7-23

Emily (Bach ’18) and Steven ’18 Maker

faith & learning

Sports philosophy elevates the game

By Dr. Gary Scott Smith ’72

Grove City College Professor Emeritus Dr. Gary Scott Smith ’72 chaired the History Department and coordinated the Humanities Core during his years on the faculty from 1978 to 2017. His specialty is American religious history, and he is an avid sports fan. He is the author or editor of nineteen books, including Faith and the Presidency: From George Washington to George W. Bush (Oxford University Press, 2006), Heaven in the American Imagination (Oxford University Press, 2011), Religion in the Oval Office: The Religious Lives of American Presidents (Oxford University Press, 2015), Suffer the Children: What We Can Do to Improve the Lives of the World’s Impoverished Children (Cascade Books, 2017), and religious biographies of Winston Churchill, Mark Twain, Jackie Robinson, and Hillary Clinton. His most recent book is The Greatest of All-Time: Fifteen Fantastic Athletes. Smith is also an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). He served five congregations as an interim or stated supply pastor and is currently a parish associate at Saint Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, N.C.

Many argue that recent developments including NIL—names, images, and likeness—the transfer portal, and potential unionization will make numerous Division I players into professional athletes instead of students. Preoccupied with their sport, they will miss the academic enrichment, preparation for a vocation, participation in extracurricular activities, and the cultivation of life-long friendships college can provide.

Consequently, some contend that NCAA Division III athletes who do not receive athletic scholarships and play primarily for the love of their sport constitute the last bastion of amateurism and are the best role model for college sports. Division III, founded in 1973, asserts that athletics is an integral aspect of the educational process.

Grove City College illustrates the value of amateur athletics. President Paul J. McNulty ’80 argues that Grove City’s athletic program is closely aligned with promoting its five core values—faithfulness, excellence, community, stewardship, and independence. If athletics are done right, McNulty maintains, they contribute to “the holistic experience that liberal arts higher education” seeks to provide. Division III sports, he adds, “have a tremendous potential to help accomplish the heart of the mission of small liberal arts colleges—producing well-rounded men and women who pursue the common good.”

Grove City College aspires to epitomize the best aspects of amateur sports. The College seeks to create strong sports teams that are closely connected with its goals. Administrators, faculty, and coaches hope that student-athletes will glorify God by their attitude, demeanor, and performance. Its teams strive to represent Grove City appealingly, practice good sportsmanship, and compete for conference championships. Coaches endeavor to help their players develop exemplary character and equip them

to fulfill their callings as devoted church members, productive workers, effective community leaders, and loving parents. In a society that prizes fame, money, and success, Grove City offers a counter-cultural message that stresses hard work, teamwork, camaraderie, and sacrifice.

Grove City began playing intercollegiate sports in 1884, and throughout its history, the College has enjoyed significant athletic success. Grove City College has won 287 conference titles in the six conferences in which it has participated. In addition, since joining the Presidents’ Athletic Conference in 1984, Grove City has won the Women’s All-Sports Trophy 20 times and the Men’s AllSports Trophy 14 times. Since 1956, Grove City College has produced 135 small college or NCAA Division III All-Americans who have excelled in 17 different sports.

The College is currently engaged in a $35 million campaign to further improve its sports facilities. Today, coaches focus on only one sport, and the college has hired strength

A faculty perspective into the mission of Grove City College, the role of Christian scholarship in higher education, and the connection between faith and learning.

and conditioning experts to help athletes improve their fitness. The results of these changes have been very impressive. During the 2023-2024 academic year, Grove City won 10 of the 22 PAC sports in which its men’s and women’s teams compete and captured both the men’s and women’s PAC all-sports trophies. Since 2016, the women’s soccer team has compiled a 98-43-5 record and won three PAC champions. The baseball team’s record since 2019 is 114-60. From 2018 to the present, the women’s tennis team’s record is 81-27 and it has won three PAC titles. Since 2019, the men’s lacrosse team, while playing some of the most highly ranked teams in the nation, has gone 66-29. A 2023 US Lacrosse Magazine media poll ranked Grove City 18th in the nation. From 2018 to 2023, the football team went 54-12 in fall games and won four ECAC contests. The 2023 team won the PAC championship, lost by a single point to the eventual Division III champion Cortland State in the DIII tournament, and was ranked tenth in the nation in the final DIII poll.

Todd Gibson ’02, GCC’s athletic director, explains that “We view sports as part of a holistic college experience.” Our studentathletes model “the core values of Grove City College.” Gibson avows that Grove City combines “strong athletic programs, rigorous academics, and a Christian atmosphere.” Its teams seek to promote a positive culture, leadership traits, and a godly vision.

The mission of head basketball coach Steve Lamie ’85 is “to compete for a championship by playing to a standard in a culture of accountability and love.” Lamie seeks to develop a culture of love among his players based on their housing arrangements, bonds of friendship, mutual accountability, Bible studies, and doing service projects together.

Melissa Lamie, GCC’s head women’s soccer coach, asserts that Grove City’s sports teams do not measure their success by whether they win or lose. Instead, coaches and student-athletes ask, are you loving your teammates, are you playing to the best of your ability, and are “you putting the team above yourself?” The women’s soccer team’s vision is “to play the game in such a way that the love of Jesus is immediately evident and ultimately appealing.” The players invite all their opponents to pray with them after their matches. Since 2007, Lamie’s team members have made six trips to South Africa to help youth improve their soccer skills and learn life lessons.

The vision statement for the football team led by coach Andrew DiDonato ’10 is “to glorify God in the pursuit of earning a degree, building lasting relationships, and competing for PAC and national championships.” Aided by the chapel program, campus Bible studies, and religious organizations, professors’ relationships with students, academic courses, and other extracurricular activities, coaches strive to help players grow spiritually, socially, academically, and physically.

The mission statement for head lacrosse coach Alec Jernstedt’s team is “Striving for excellence not solely by the pursuit of winning, but by the holistic development of young men into impactful leaders, professionals, husbands, and fathers.” Its vision is to “Be the best place to play college lacrosse in the country.” The vision of head men’s soccer coach Michael Dreves ’97 is “to build the team into a living monument that glorifies God.” He seeks to help players find their identity in Jesus, become Christ’s disciples, compete at a superlative level, and spread the gospel.

Dave Fritz ’94, the head coach for both men’s and women’s swimming and diving,

wants to help participants develop a mindset and habits that will enable them to succeed in life. Jessica Cooper, head coach for men’s and women’s track and field, explains that team members seek “to become our best selves both on and off the track, while glorifying God and striving for PAC championships.” She adds, “We can take many aspects of our sport out into the world”—working to achieve a common goal, learning how to cope with adversity, and striving to be “a light for the Lord through our daily lives.”

Hundreds of Grove City athletes could undoubtedly testify to the positive impact that their experiences have had on their personal development. Kristen (Carter ’09) Schafer was a DIII All American her junior year. She and her teammates strongly supported one another. After graduating from Grove City, she ran cross country for a year at Ohio State University. Schafer observes that the Ohio State coaches “put all of us through a pressure cooker of training, let the weak get injured or quit,” and produced a select few who carried the entire team. She is “incredibly glad” that she ran for a DIII program.

Blake Baer ’18, who is currently a surgical resident at Penn State Health, states that “the dedication and commitment” coach Dreves expected while he played soccer at Grove City were “unparalleled experiences” in his life. They taught him “how to be a man, a friend, an athlete, and a Christian.” Football player Ayden Gutierrez ’24 insists that his college experience strengthened his relationship with Jesus. DIII football taught him the importance of hard work, self-discipline, and communication and time management skills that he will use the rest of his life. Gianna D’Amato ’04 played women’s soccer and ran for the track team. Her soccer teammates “invested in me and encouraged me” to “run toward Christ.” She was surrounded by women who loved the sport as much as she did, while ultimately “playing for an Audience of One!”

A well-rounded college experience, which DIII schools foster, provides important knowledge, skills, and connections: it forges lifelong friendships and supplies valuable lessons both inside and outside the classroom. By basing its teams’ missions and coaching approaches on biblical principles, Grove City’s philosophy of sports helps student-athletes build their lives on a spiritual foundation. In all these ways, Grove City College provides an exemplary model for athletics today.